3 April 2019 05:46 pm
Private Bus Association (ACPBA) Secretary Anjana Priyanjith said today a fare hike would be demanded in case fuel prices increased by four rupees after the regular price revision on April 10.
He told a news conference that the government had increased diesel by five rupees a litre within the three months, but there had been no change in the minimum fare of Rs. 12.
He also said there would be no change in the minimum bus fare which is now Rs.12.00.
Mr. Priyanjith said the seven traffic offences excluding drunk driving, driving under the influence of alcohol and overtaking from the left side could be agreed, but the fines on the rest of the offences should be amended.
"The bus drivers never overtake from the left side. It is possible to impose a fine for drunk driving, but the Ministry did not consider how people earn their living to balance their day-to-day lives. The spot fines which was at Rs.2,500 and Rs.3,000 had been increased to Rs.25,000 and Rs.30,000 without any consideration," he said.
He said the Transport Minister did not know the value of the number zero.
While issuing a gazette notification on Monday, Rs.25,000 would be applied for driving without a valid license, assigning a driver without a valid driving licence, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving through a railway level crossing irresponsibly, driving without a valid insurance cover, driving at a high speed and overtaking from the left side.
"Before increasing the fines, the government should create possible infrastructure such as road facilities, proper bus stops etc.," he said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)
Video by Sanjeewa