The revised bus fares will come into effect today.
The Cabinet of Ministers yesterday granted approval to increase bus fares by 15 percent.
Meanwhile, the minimum bus fare has been increased to Rs. 20 from Rs.17.
The highest bus fare which was Rs. 1,303 has been increased to Rs. 1,498.
On Sunday, the National Transport Commission granted approval to increase Sri Lanka Transport Board and private bus fares.
Speaking to NewsRadio, Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama said the decision to increase bus fares was reached after taking into consideration the difficulties faced by bus operators due to the hike in fuel prices.
Meanwhile, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association says through the bus fare revision; operators will be able to recoup the losses incurred due to the recent diesel price hike.
Speaking to NewsRadio, President of the Association Gemunu Wijeratne said they are supportive of the 15 percent bus fare revision.
He added the price revision has been enforced based on the national bus fare revision policy.
The All Island School Children Transport Association has decided to increase monthly transport fares in the face of the recent increase in fuel prices.
Speaking to NewsRadio, Secretary of the Association Lalith Chandrasiri Fernando said monthly transport fees will be increased by a minimum of Rs. 1,000 and a maximum of Rs. 2,000.
Chandrasiri Fernando said if they are to increase prices in line with the recent fuel hike, they should increase monthly fees by 45 to 100 percent.
He said however, considering that the public has not received any salary increases; they went ahead with a nominal increase.
Lalith Chandrasiri Fernando added that the decision was taken in an attempt to safeguard the industry and not aimed at burdening the general public further.
