NTC says no bus fare hikes

Athapattu Bandara

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has decided not to increase bus fares as the transport costs from February 14, 2012 when the last bus fare revision was made had not changed significantly. The NTC usually updates its 12 categorizes of bus fares monthly as per its policy on bus fares.

A round of discussions were held between the NTC officials and Private Transport Minister C. B. Ratnayaka over issues covering the bus industry, passengers, infrastructure development and service utilities.

The decision was taken not go for a bus fare revision. Accordingly, there will not be a bus fare hike on February 14, the NTC yesterday announced.

It is required to revise bus fares in July 1 each year as per the national policy on bus fares. But such fare hikes would only be made if the price of diesel increases in the future. That too will be done through the channels such as obtaining Cabinet approval.