No private bus fare hike

Suraj A. Bandara

Private bus fares will not be increased in the near future, Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association Chairman Gamunu Wijeratne said.

He said according to the prevailing agreement, the yearly amendment of bus fares is to take place on July 1. "But we have not decided yet whether bus fares should be increased or not. We will decide on June 20," he added.

Addressing the media at the Women's Research Centre, Narahenpita yesterday, Wijeratne requested authorities to appoint Prof Amal Kumarage as National Transport Board Chairman.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa's policy initiative on transport is farsighted and development oriented. "Unfortunately, certain appointees to some positions ruin the President's efforts and hinder work of other committed workers," he said.

"The media played a commendable role in stopping begging and trading inside buses. Passengers become prisoners of bus drivers and conductors when traveling in buses. Rules should be imposed to minimize fraud and provide a hassle free transportation," he said.

Wijeratne said the Private Bus Owners' Association is ready to set up public toilets on the three main routes.

Passengers travelling on long journey complain about low quality food available at restaurants where buses are stopped. The lack of facilities, in particular toilets, is another problem commuters face. These stops are decided by the bus crew leaving the passengers little option. This is unreasonable, he said.

He said if tenders for routes are offered in a transparent manner the Government could earn an additional revenue.