Progress and Plans: 10th Stakeholder Meeting Focuses on Honiara’s Public Transport and Traffic Management

31^st May 2026

The 10th Stakeholder Meeting on Urban Transport Management in Honiara was held on 19 May 2026 at the Ministry’s Transport Infrastructure Management Division (TIMSD) conference room, bringing together key stakeholders including the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Honiara City Council, Guadalcanal Provincial Government, Road Transport Board, and the Royal Solomon Islands Traffic Police.

Under the “Advisor for Capacity Improvement of Urban Transport Management in Honiara” supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this project focuses on improving public transport services, traffic management, and road safety in Honiara.

As part of the meeting, the project team introduced ongoing bus crew training activities, including the preparation of operational manuals and recent practical training conducted for HCC school bus drivers. These activities aim to strengthen safe driving awareness and improve practical driving skills among bus crews in Honiara.

A major topic discussed during the meeting was the Action Plan on Traffic Management, which aims to achieve smooth and safe traffic flow under well-organized rules. The proposed measures include establishing comprehensive traffic rules, improving traffic signs and guidance systems, introducing better parking management around bus stops and terminals, and implementing Traffic Demand Management (TDM) measures to reduce congestion.

Another important topic was the future establishment of the Honiara Bus Association (HBA), which is proposed as a platform to strengthen communication and coordination among bus operators and government agencies. The proposed HBA is expected to support service quality improvement, safety management, operator coordination, and long-term development of the bus industry in Honiara.

The meeting also touched on the importance of gradually improving the institutional framework related to public transport management and traffic operations in Honiara. Participants discussed practical approaches that can support safer, more organized, and more reliable bus services while considering local conditions and implementation capacity.

During the discussion, participants emphasized that additional traffic management measures should also be considered in the future, including safer pedestrian facilities such as zebra crossings and traffic signals, as well as the development of better terminal facilities for buses, taxis, and other public transport vehicles to help ease congestion and improve traffic flow.

Participants also noted that these challenges are not limited to Honiara alone but are likely to become increasingly important issues for transport safety and urban mobility across the provinces in the future.

This 10^th meeting highlighted the importance of continued cooperation among government agencies, operators, police, and communities to address both current and future transport challenges.

At the 9th Stakeholder Meeting held on 26 March 2026, the JICA consultant team produced a draft driver manual for bus operators. The manual outlines standard practices expected in daily operations, including safe driving principles, appropriate passenger handling, and compliance with operational rules. It is expected to be the basis for making both safety and service better.

MID’s acting permanent secretary, Mike Qaqara, said the government will continue working with the JICA team over this year and into next year when the project lapses.

“Although reforming systems takes time, this project will continue working collaboratively toward a public transport system that citizens can use with confidence,” he emphasized.

With over 20 years of experience in urban transport projects in various countries, the advisor team is well-equipped to bring a global perspective to their work and project output.

-ends-
Photo

The 9th stakeholder meeting, the JICA consultant team produced a draft driver manual for bus operators. This manual will contribute to creating a safer and more reliable environment for bus users in Honiara.