Private bus fare hike not sanctioned - Minister

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Private bus fares will not be increased in the immediate future whatever the Private Bus Owners' Associations say, Private Transport Services Minister C B Ratnayake said yesterday. Minister Ratnayake told the Daily News that his ministry appointed a six-member committee to find out if the private bus owners' request was fair and submit a report after one month.

He added that although the Private Bus Owners' Associations insisted on an increase on private bus fares, his ministry would not allow them to do so arbitrarily.

The minister said that there were 12 requirements to be met if the private bus fares needed to be increased according to a policy decision reached by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and the Private Bus Owners' Associations.

He added that private bus owners cannot increase the bus fare arbitrarily placing hardship on the travelling public just because fuel prices have increased.

"Representatives of certain Bus Owners' Associations attempt to create issues by making false statements", the minister said. Ratnayake added that if a revision to the private bus fares were needed, this would be considered after the report is submitted.

He said that the media should be responsible when their unreasonable demands are published and telecast.

Minister Ratnayake said that the Committee appointed in this connection comprises a representative of the Sri Lanka Transport Board, Secretary to the Private Transport Services Ministry and representatives of four Private Bus Owners' Associations.

'Certain Bus Owners' Associations reps attempt to create issues by making false statements'.