HCC Apologizes for Premature Bus Service Announcement

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The Honiara City Council (HCC) Bus Service Committee has apologized to the residents of Honiara following confusion over a recent media announcement stating that the Council would begin operating its own bus service on October 1, 2025.

In a public statement, the Committee clarified that the announcement was premature and that operations have not yet commenced.

“The Committee sincerely apologizes to the public for any misunderstanding that may have occurred,” it said, acknowledging the confusion and criticism that have circulated on social media since the announcement.

On 17 July 2025, the HCC Executive Government endorsed an executive paper to establish and operate a bus service under the Council. Following that decision, a Technical Oversight Committee—now known as the Honiara City Bus Service Committee—was formed to lead the project.

The Committee’s main responsibility is to develop mechanisms and frameworks for the proposed service, including administrative reforms, operational processes, and procedures for HCC’s newly created Commercial Arm within the Trade and Commerce Division. This Commercial Arm will oversee commercial activities under HCC, including the future bus service.

As a non-profit government body, HCC is legally required to complete specific legal and administrative steps before engaging in business operations. The Committee explained that establishing a bus service involves complex legal and financial processes to ensure the venture is both sustainable and compliant with government regulations.

“Setting up a bus service for a local government like HCC is not an easy task,” the Committee noted. “It requires the establishment of a separate business arm that can operate independently while remaining accountable to the Council.”

HCC and the Bus Service Committee said they are working to complete all necessary requirements before launching the service and reaffirmed their commitment to providing an affordable and reliable public transport system for Honiara residents once all processes are finalized.

Today, Monday, 13 October 2025, marked the first official meeting of the Honiara City Council Bus Service Committee, comprising officers from both the national government and HCC.