How bus fares will increase from tomorrow (24)

The Cabinet has approved a 12.19% increase in public passenger bus fares, effective from midnight today (23), in parallel with the increase in Lanka White Diesel prices. This was confirmed by Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and this new fare revision will be implemented according to a proposal submitted by the National Transport Commission.

The Commission had pointed out that the recent fuel price hike has impacted bus fares by more than 10%, and the relevant authorities have reached this decision amidst bus associations requesting a 15% fare increase from the authorities.

According to this new fare revision, the minimum bus fare, which was previously Rs. 27, has been increased by Rs. 3, setting the new minimum fare at Rs. 30. Furthermore, the highest fare category, which was previously recorded as Rs. 2,159, has increased by Rs. 263, with its new price rising to Rs. 2,422.

In addition to the increase in bus fares, the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority has today taken steps to increase three-wheeler fares operating within the Western Province. Accordingly, new fares for three-wheeler rides will be charged at Rs. 110 for the first kilometer and Rs. 90 from the second kilometer onwards.

With the new fare revision, the National Transport Commission has strictly informed the Sri Lanka Transport Board and private bus operators to charge only the prescribed fare from passengers. The Commission emphasizes that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who charge more than the prescribed amount, and further requests the public to immediately inform the 1955 hotline or the WhatsApp number 0712595555 if such an irregularity occurs.