Private bus operators seek fare hike from July 1

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, June 25 (Daily Mirror) - Private bus operators have formally requested the National Transport Commission (NTC) to implement the annual bus fare revision from July 1, ahead of the previously proposed date of July 5.

Speaking to the media, Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, said a written request endorsed by all private bus associations was submitted to the NTC yesterday.

He said final discussions with the NTC on the proposed fare revision are expected to take place within the next five days.

Wijeratne noted that the proposed adjustment should be regarded as a fare increase rather than a routine revision.

"We expect a bus fare increase of between 15% and 20%. The industry has been operating at a significant loss in recent months. The rising value of the US dollar and increasing operating costs have placed the private bus sector in a serious crisis. We have been struggling to continue services over the past month," he explained.

According to him, all existing fare categories are expected to increase if the proposal is approved. As a result, the current minimum bus fare could rise to between Rs. 35 and Rs. 40.

He further said that private bus associations have collectively reached a special decision not to reduce fares within the next six months, even if diesel prices decline in either the local or international market.