State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama said that bus fares of Sri Lanka would be increased since midnight today.
He said that the price increase would be effective according to three methods.
In the circumstances, the health authorities allow normal transport, no fare hike will be effective.
The second method is approved now by the health authorities. According to it, the buses will transport passengers only according to the number of seats. The buses will be allowed for 20% fare increase and the minimum fare will be increased from Rs.12 to 14. The bus fares of semi-luxury and luxury buses will not be increased.
In the circumstances, the passengers will be allowed only up to 50% of the number of seats, 50% fare hike will be allowed. The fare hike for semi-luxury buses is 20% and for luxury buses 10%.
Minister of Gamini Lokuge said that the cabinet had approved this fare hike. He further said that the government would arrange with the suspension of leasing payment for six months for the private bus owners.
Rs. 300,000 concessionary loan will also be provided to the bus owners.
However, most of the bus drivers and conductors earn a commission from the income and the government's proposals are less likely to provide solutions to their issues.
