Bus fare in Sri Lanka increased by 20% since tomorrow

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.

No cars and no busses too to less affluent Sri Lankans

Sri Lanka government's new regulations regarding the vehicle import shows that the rulers are in need of making the car a luxury item that is restricted to affluent classes.

A new directive stipulates that only cars less than two years old could be imported. This comes on top of the increase of the effective total tax rate for petrol cars with standard engines with capacities below 1,000 cc from 95 percent to 120 percent. These cars are the type that is affordable for most of the lower middle class people.

The government increased the duty for poor man's trishaw also from 38 percent to 50 percent.

Motor Traffic Chief B.D.L. Dharmapriya said to the Sunday Times that with per capita income increasing rapidly, the government might soon impose a total ban on the import of used vehicles. He said a similar policy was enforced in Singapore which no longer imported used vehicles.

But does the increase of per capita income really show the development? Simply, it increases the income disparities more than it develops the country?

For instance, are the public transport systems developing per se the said increase of per capita income?

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