News
Bus fare decision next Friday
A decision will be made on December 21 over a reduction in bus fares, National Transport Commission (NTC) Chairman, M.A.P. Hemachandra, said.
“The Commission is currently conducting discussions, following which orders will be carried out by the respective authorities. However, further information cannot be disclosed on the matter,” Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Ramal Siriwardena said.
The head of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, said private buses could lower fares if they did not have to pay bribes.
“The authorities are capable of reducing bus fares by 25 per cent if there is proper regulation,” he claimed.
According to Mr. Wijeratne, every month, private bus companies pay bribes of about Rs. 100 million to ensure profitable running of services.
“Authorised persons such as timekeepers and other individuals connected to underworld groups are involved in taking bribes from bus conductors. A sum of around Rs. 5,000-10,000 is taken from each bus,” he said.
He said if adequate bus lanes were allocated timetables were set not to overlap with the SLTB, bribes could be eradicated and fares could be lowered by 25 per cent.
The head of the Inter-Provincial Private Bus Owners’ Association, Sarath Vijitha Kumara, said that although fuel prices fluctuate, bus fares are not increased and so private buses run at a loss.
“At mid-year our buses were running at a loss for three months,” he complained.
If the NTC could set out practical means of reducing bus fares the association would agree, he said. “But if not, we will not agree to continue our services at a loss,” he emphasised.