Private bus operators want to increase minimum fare to Rs. 25

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association says it is essential to increase bus fares in line with the government’s decision to revise prices of fuel.

Chairman of the Association Gemunu Wijeratne said they may have to increase the minimum bus fare to Rs. 25 adding however members of the Union will meet this afternoon to reach a decision pertaining to bus fare revision.

Wijeratne said they did not increase bus fares considering the situation faced by the country when fuel prices were increased recently.

He said they submitted several proposals to uplift the sector without increasing bus fares adding unfortunately the government did not take necessary steps to implement the proposals.

He said private bus owners are unable to operate due to other costs including costs of spare parts and a number of services increasing by 300 percent.

The Chairman of the Association said they will be observing the government’s intervention on the matter.

Wijeratne said they do not agree with increasing fares as it will burden the public further adding however the government is responsible for providing a solution.

He said the increase in bus fare was merely an alternative proposal.