No bus fare revision today: Dilum

Bus fare revisions will not come into effect today, but new bus fares and from when it will be implemented will be announced after today's discussion, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

He said recommendations on how to make a fare revision will be presented as per the formula based on bus fare increases by the National Transport Commission (NTC).

"Following the recommendation by the NTC, a discussion will be held with the private bus owners' associations about the bus fare hike with no burden on the people. The bus fare should be increased by a certain margin due to the fuel price hike by Rs. 17 on two occasions. Considering that, we have not allowed the bus fares to go up," the State Minister said.

He said there is a definite loss incurred in operating Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses too. The bus fare increase will be a burden on the people, and they should make arrangements to increase it by minimizing the pressure on people.

Following today's discussions, the Ministry will announce the bus fare revision and the day it would come to effect, Minister Amunugama said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)