The National Transport Commission (NTC) has approved the increase of bus fares with effect from midnight yesterday, following the fuel price increase that took place yesterday.
Accordingly, the bus fare has been increased by 19.5 percent, where the minimum bus fare for normal bus services is Rs.32.
The maximum normal bus fare, which was Rs.2,022 earlier is now Rs.2,417.
The NTC Director General, Commander (Rtd.) Nilan Miranda told Daily News that the NTC takes into consideration 12 facts including the fuel price when deciding on the bus fares. However, the latest fare hike was done based only on yesterday’s fuel price hike.
When asked as to how the recent fuel price increase would impact on the students facing the G.C.E. (O/L) examination this year, he said the NTC has informed all the Sisu Seriya bus services island-wide to operate during exam week in order to facilitate even a single student on their routes.
There are nearly 1,500 such bus services in the country, he said. The DG further said the discussions are yet to be held with the stakeholders of the bus industry with regard to the provision of a concession on diesel for passenger transport buses.
The Three-wheeler Drivers and Owners’ Association also said that the taxi fares will be increased following the recent fuel price hike. The fare for the first kilometre will be increased by Rs.10 while the passengers will be charged Rs.80 per kilometre from the second kilometer onwards, said the President of the Association Sudil Dilruk.
The minimum fare of a three-wheeler taxi will be Rs.100.
by Daily News Sri Lanka
, Local, ,