Reduction in Matara – Colombo Expressway Bus Fares From July 1
Followed by the increase in bus fares by 12.5% on May 22nd the bus fare between Colombo and Matara which was Rs 530 has risen to Rs 600 while the fare between Matara and Maharagama has seen an Rs 60 increase to Rs 560. “Commuters can’t afford to pay such high fares and have opted to take use the normal service or the railway, Matara Passenger Transport Company (MPTC) Chairman Anura Helapage told a press briefing held at the Matara Rest House yesterday.
Super luxury Highway bus operators have been hard-hit as there has been a drastic drop in the number of commuters travelling on the Matara – Colombo, Matara – Maharagama, Matara – Kadawatha and Matara – Panadura routes .All of us have route permits to ply between Colombo and Matara and vice versa.
The inter provincial service fare between Colombo and Matara after the recent 12.5% fare hike is Rs 460. Our membership has decided to charge commuters only this fare and bear the expressway toll-gate fare and not pay the NTC,” Anura Helapage said.
He also said that the government charges exorbitant amounts from operators of super luxury bus services on the southern expressway in the guise of route permits, licensing fees and toll-gate charges.
