The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association says it has decided to limit bus operations from tomorrow (8 June), citing the government’s failure to respond positively to requests for a fare revision following the recent fuel price increase.
Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo today (7 June), Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said around 25 per cent of private buses had already been withdrawn from service voluntarily.
He said the association had decided to intensify its trade union action this week by reducing bus operations, with the number of services expected to fall by approximately 50 per cent.
According to Wijeratne, operators had sought temporary relief to continue services until a fare revision could be implemented, but had not received a favourable response from either the National Transport Commission or the relevant minister.
He noted that the annual bus fare policy is due to be implemented in early July and warned that a substantial fare increase may become necessary due to rising operating costs.
Wijeratne also claimed that diesel prices are expected to increase again later this month, further adding to the financial burden on bus operators.
Under the planned service restrictions, only essential trips will be operated, with priority given to peak travel periods such as morning commuting hours, school closing times and evening office hours.
He said routes that currently operate four trips during peak periods may be reduced to three trips, adding that private operators could no longer continue running services at a loss.
Wijeratne said the association expects overall bus operations to be reduced to around 50 per cent and maintained that responsibility for the situation rests with the government. (NewsWire)