Bus fare revision : Private bus owners to hold talks with officials

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Private bus owners are scheduled to meet Transport Ministry officials tomorrow to discuss bus fare revision.

Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owner’s Association Gemunu Wijeratne said a final decision on the revision of bus fares will be reached at tomorrow’s talks.

Wijeratne said they have no intention of increasing bus fares unnecessarily.

He said they must consider their operating expenditures, protecting the industry as well as public welfare when reaching a decision to increase bus fares.

Wijeratne expressed that they are not willing to engage in arguments unnecessarily.

The Chairman of the Association said only 50% of the usual number of buses are in operation adding they have to come up with necessary plans to increase their income in order to protect the industry.

He said they also have recommended amending provisions of the Motor Traffic Ordinance including the introduction of the pre-paid travel permit, “Touch and Go” concept.

Wijeratne said they need to provide incomes to those involved in the industry as a direct income by the pre-paid travel permit.