Private bus fares up

Mohammed NAALIR

COLOMBO: Private bus fares will be increased from Wednesday, July 4 and the using of the ticket machine by the bus conductors in this sector will come into force in six months, said Road Passenger Transport Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna.

Addressing a media conference at the Transport Ministry, yesterday, the Deputy Minister said the decision to increase bus fares in private buses was taken following a discussion held with representatives of the Private Bus Owners’ Association led by its Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne.

He said the increase in bus fares will come in three categories based on distance: from 3 kms to 14 kms an increase by 17 per cent; from 14km to 80kms increase by 17.9% and more than 80kms an increase by 18.8%.

He said no amendments will be made on the short distance fare of Rs. 5. The amounts to be charged will be announced on July 3. The clergy and those with national recognition will be given a 50% discount.

The Deputy Minister also said that both the Transport Ministry and the Private Bus Owners’ Association would sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, July 04 in this respect. If the agreement was violated, the bus fares will be decreased by 2 per cent, the Minister warned.

He said before the implementation of the National Transport Policy, bus fares were increased by 20% which did not benefit the passengers. But he pointed that with the implementation of the National Transport Policy, they were able to draw a scientifically acceptable bus fare schedule for the benefit of the passengers.

Minister Alagiyawanna noted the importance of closing the doors of the buses and the vans on long distance journey and said that it was compulsory that both drivers and conductors undergo training before they take up the job.