Bus fares down by 4% from Thursday night

24 December 2018 04:20 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The bus fares will be reduced by four per cent effective from Thursday (26) midnight, Transport Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said today.

He made the announcement at a media briefing at the Ministry with several bus associations, three-wheeler associations and All-Island School Children Transport Association (AISCTA).

He also said there would be no change in the minimum bus fare of Rs.12. The Minister said the bus fare stages which are at Rs.15, Rs.20, Rs.24, Rs.29, Rs.38 and Rs.43 would drop by Rs.1. Rs.34, Rs.41, Rs.46, Rs.49 and Rs.52 would drop by Rs.2. The highest fare Rs.965 would drop down by Rs.41 and it would be Rs.924.

Minister Ranatunga said the decision was taken following the announcement made by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to reduce the fuel prices from last Friday (21) night. In line with the bus fare reduction, three-wheeler associations and the school children, Transport Associations decided to reduce their fares as well. Accordingly, three-wheeler associations agreed to reduce the fare of the first kilometre by Rs. 10 - from Rs.60 to Rs. 50. From midnight on Wednesday, charges for the first kilometre would be Rs.50.

Meanwhile, AISCTA said their fares would be reduced by three per cent from Wednesday night. At the media briefing, the Minister further added that he would do the best so that people are benefited by fuel price reductions. “If the oil price in the world market drops down further, the fuel prices in our country would come down accordingly but that could also happen the other way around,” the Minister said. The transport service had become an important service comparing to the education and health services in our country. As such, more priority should be given to the transport sector,” Minister Ranatunga said.

While issuing a special notice, National Transport Commission (NTC) Chairman M.A.P. Hemachandra said an interim bus fare revision has been granted by the NTC effective from December 27 in the terms of the National Bus Fares Policy, in order to compensate the decrease in fuel price. The full fare in respect of approved inter-provincial, normal, semi-luxury, luxury and super luxury services implemented by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and Private Passenger Transport Services will be displayed for the information of bus passengers, owners, crews, authorities, and the general public.

Mr Hemachandra also said stern action would be taken against any operator who charges fares in excess of the approved fare. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

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Comments - 9

Dee Monday, 24 December 2018 04:28 PM

One joker reduced it by 2% can't even calculate the reduction and there are no coins for that balance anyway. At least a 8% reduction now ,would have been justifiable and could be calculated .

Sarath Monday, 24 December 2018 05:17 PM

Well thats so unfair. The fuel prices reduced so much but not gonna change the min fare?Comeon Arjuna!

GH Monday, 24 December 2018 05:18 PM

Then the people must prepare themselves to face the so called BUS-STRIKE!

Gayan Monday, 24 December 2018 05:38 PM

Also keep your files at home.

Priya Monday, 24 December 2018 05:47 PM

This is nonsense. First of all, the minimum should be substantially reduced. Petrol and Diesel was reduced by nearly Rs.30 within the last 60 days so it must be reduced. And also overcall the bus fare is reduced by 4% ??? Really? Is this a joke or what?? Might as well not reduced at all. Lastly the fare should be an even rounded figure because u never get the balance back.

ALIF Monday, 24 December 2018 05:56 PM

A HUGE PERCENTAGE 4% - It’s really a big JOKE When they increase it will be 12-15% So why can’t that happen when it’s reduced????? It’s just to TEASE the passenger s

cineha Monday, 24 December 2018 06:35 PM

Whether you reduce or increase make it to a round figure of 10 or 15. By making it to 11,12,13, or 14 no one benefits from it...be sensible......

Lakmal Monday, 24 December 2018 06:50 PM

We should create pressure to improve public transportation system. Service should be given by companies managed by proffessionals. Service level and price should be managed. Individual bus ownership is outdate model. That is why service stop after 6, load like animal transportation and going races.

Megan Monday, 24 December 2018 09:29 PM

Well done UNP govt.

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Bus fares down by 4% from Thursday night

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