Tensions are rising between the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) and the National Transport Commission (NTC) over a proposed increase in bus fares, with both parties gearing up for a major showdown.
Gemunu Wijeratne, Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, has announced that bus fares will be significantly increased in July, despite potential fuel price reductions around the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Speaking to the media, Wijeratne explained that buses are currently operating at a loss of Rs. 3 per kilometer, making fare adjustments inevitable. He highlighted that rising operational costs, such as the reintroduction of VAT on buses and an increase in vehicle prices, were major contributors to the decision.
The planned fare hike comes despite the recent decline in fuel prices, which had initially raised hopes for a reduction in travel costs for the public. Wijeratne, however, made it clear that the annual bus fare revision process, which typically takes place in April, June, and July, will lead to a fare increase regardless of fluctuations in fuel prices.
“We have already discussed this issue with the Minister of Transport two weeks ago and have warned that commuters should prepare for a fare revision within the next two months,” Wijeratne added.
In response to the announcement, Sherini Athukorala, Director of Operations at the National Transport Commission, emphasized that the final decision on the bus fare increase lies with the NTC, not the bus unions. She clarified that the task of preparing the bus fare formula is under the Commission’s purview, and that any decisions related to fare hikes will be made by the NTC. “The fare determination process is managed by the Commission, and our decision is final,” Athukorala said.
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