Many bus drivers in Samoa have stopped services amid a row with the Government over the costs they face in switching to driving on the left hand side of the road.
The switch went ahead this morning as per the Government's directions but the two main associations of bus owners in Samoa have announced a withdrawal services until they get financial assistance to change the doors on their buses from the right to the left.
The associations have issued a public notice saying regular bus services have been called off on both Upolu and Savaii islands.
But the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, says politics is involved in the decision with opposition politicians behind the bus owners' move.
The prime minister says the owner's decision could affect the future of the associations' involvement in providing public transport and he has called on them to reconsider.
The bus owners are asking for thousands of dollars to pay for the change but Tuila'epa and his government say this is too much.
They are reluctant to offer any financial assistance because some bus owners have reportedly made the conversion for less than 300 US dollars.
