Bus fare hike suspended

Nadira Gunathilaka and Irangika Range

KOTTE: The Private Bus Owners’ Association has responded positively to the Government’s request not to increase bus fares considering the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, Transport Minister Dalas Allahapperuma told Parliament yesterday.

He said a special discussion was conducted on May 9 between the Government and the Association where the latter agreed to suspend their request of immediately increasing the bus fares.

The Minister said the bus fares were amended according to the national policy prepared in 2001.

“The Bus Owners’ Association has a right to request a bus fare increase in line with the price hike of diesel. Therefore they have asked for the implementation of bus fare hike from July 1 and the temporary suspension will be a great relief to passengers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Government has taken all possible measures to maintain an effective transport system for the commuters’ benefit.