Private bus operators say bus fares must be increased immediately in line with the national bus fare policy due to the fuel price revision.
Speaking to NewsRadio, President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Gemunu Wijeratne said they will write to the National Transport Commission today requesting an increase in fares.
Wijeratne said there is a pricing formula in place for 20 years and noted that if it is enforced, bus fares will increase in line with the diesel price hike.
He noted that he has been in contact with the Transport Commission and will urge them to announce the bus fare revision by noon today.
The President of the Association said some buses have suspended operations on certain routes adding however a majority are continuing operations in order to transport students facing the 2021 GCE Ordinary Level Examination.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary of the All Island Private Bus Owners Federation Anjana Priyanjith said bus fares must be increased in the event a fuel subsidy is not provided.
Speaking to NewsRadio, Priyanjith called for diesel stocks to be provided at the previous rate of Rs.289 instead of burdening bus owners.
He said the government’s decision to increase the price of a litre of diesel by Rs.111 is not at all feasible for the private bus industry.
The Chief Secretary said bus owners are not ready to accept the responsibility of increasing bus fares.
