Sri Lanka Bus Associations have stated that bus fares must be increased in line with the hike in fuel prices which come into effect today.
President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Gemunu Wijeratne said thereby, the minimum bus fare must be increased to Rs. 25.
Addressing the media yesterday, he said the Motor Traffic Department has informed the Ministry of Transportation in writing to amend certain laws under the Motor Traffic Act, which will come into effect from 1st January 2022.
He said the new amendments pertain to making it mandatory to carry bus tickets and to operate buses with or without conductors and assistants.
Gemunu Wijeratne pointed out that as the cost of operating buses has increased by three-folds, the number of buses in operation will be reduced to 25%.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association Anjana Priyanjith said it has been proposed to increase the minimum bus fare by 20%. (NewsWire)