Three-wheeler operators remain far apart on a proposal to raise fares on the basis of rising costs for spare parts and lubricants. Two groups have rejected a proposal by another group to jack up fares to Rs 60 for the first kilometre, an increase of Rs 10. Meanwhile crude oil prices are in bear market [...]

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Three-wheelers operate dodgy meters, but debate heats up on fare increase

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Three-wheeler operators remain far apart on a proposal to raise fares on the basis of rising costs for spare parts and lubricants. Two groups have rejected a proposal by another group to jack up fares to Rs 60 for the first kilometre, an increase of Rs 10.

Meanwhile crude oil prices are in bear market territory and have dipped below US$45 per barrel. Regardless of the outcome in the debate on fares, users complain that three-wheeler drivers quote fares at random and the meters are dodgy. Two operators could charge different fares for the same ride.

The Lanka Self Employed Professionals’ National Three-wheel Federation claimed last week, members will raise the fare for the first kilometre from Rs 50 to Rs 60.

President Sunil Jayawardena cited high costs for spare parts and servicing of vehicles. He said the increase will only apply to the first kilometre.

He said the rupee depreciation has made spare parts costlier. “The servicing fee has also risen dramatically to between Rs 3,750 and Rs 4,000 from Rs 2,500 within a five to six-month period.” The price of lubricants has doubled, he added.

Mr Jayawardena claimed that the group has 178,000 members in the Western Province alone and another 138,000 in other provinces.

The fare increase would be effective from July 10, he insisted. But, two other three-wheeler groups rejected the increase.
Lalith Dharmasekara of the All Island Three-wheel Drivers’ Union, said raising fares would be counterproductive. He suggested that the Government regulate fares.

He added that the majority of three-wheel drivers are not members of any of the three groups.Passengers, meawhile, lament deficiencies in the hiring services including irregular fares.

A ride from Fort to Bambalapitiya costs around Rs 350 in a metered taxi, but a foreigner could be charged between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500. A passenger not familiar with Colombo could get ripped off for Rs 500, one three wheel-driver revealed.

Mr. Dharmasekara said even though in an extraordinary gazette dated July 31, 2013, a fare review committee was established, headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, there was no outcome. It was tasked with devising a formula for fares.

A gazette notice for regulating three-wheelers, dated January 9 this year, mandated that a meter be installed. But many operators run without meters. Some do not swich on the meter. Or else, the meters are malfunctioning. Passengers suspect that those that are functioning have also been rigged.

Mr Dharmasekara said less than 25% of all three-wheelers have meters. Passengers are also concerned with safety.
Sudil Jayaruk of the All Island Three-wheel Drivers’ and Owners’ Association, said anyone, even convicts, could run hires.
“Many Government workers are also operating three-wheelers part time,” he said.

According to gazette notices, it is mandatory to display information important for the safety of the passenger behind the driver’s seat.

This includes the registration number, name and drivers’ license number, telephone numbers of the respective police stations where the vehicle is registered to inform in case of an emergency. This information is missing in many three-wheelers.

The chairman of the National Council for Road Safety, Dr Sisira Kodagoda, told the Sunday Times, that a new gazette notice regarding three-wheelers would be issued by the middle of next month with a few amendments.

He added that different opinions of three-wheeler associations regarding the previous gazette notices resulted in a delay in implementing them. “Although some associations welcomed fixing meters, some, especially those in the outstations opposed it.”

Dr Kodagoda noted that the Sri Lanka Standards Institution will introduce a standard meter.

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