Bus fares up by 4%; minimum fare unchanged

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced a 4% increase in bus fares with effect from tomorrow following the recent diesel price increase.

The price of a litre of diesel was increased Rs. 35 from last night.

A discussion regarding the bus fare increase was held at the NTC with representatives of the bus associations.

Following discussions, permission was granted to increase bus fares following the approval by the Cabinet of Ministers.

However, it had been decided not to increase the minimum bus fare which is currently Rs. 30.

With the 4% increase, the minimum bus fare had to be increased by Re. 1, but the bus associations decided to retain the minimum fare without any changes.

The Transport Minister has approved the new price revision for all 350 sections. 

Accordingly, the second section of the bus fare revision of Rs. 37 has been increased by Re. 1 and the new fare will be Rs. 38 on the inter-provincial services.

The 350th section of the bus fare revision was revised to Rs. 2,388 which was earlier at Rs.2,296. (Chathuranga Samarawickrama)