Western Province three-wheeler fares up by 10 rupees

It has been decided to increase the travel fare of three-wheelers operating in the Western Province by Rs. 10, relative to the increase in fuel prices. Mr. Gamini Jasinghe, Chairman of the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority, officially announced yesterday afternoon that this new fare revision will be effective from midnight yesterday (23).

Accordingly, the fare for the first kilometer, which was previously Rs. 100, has been increased to Rs. 110. Also, the amount of Rs. 85 charged for every kilometer from the second kilometer onwards has been increased to Rs. 90. The Chairman further emphasized that this new fare system is limited only to the Western Province.

This step has been taken after considering a request made by three-wheeler trade unions based on the increase in fuel prices. Mr. Jasinghe stated that the price committee belonging to the Road Passenger Transport Authority met via 'Zoom' technology and reached the decision to increase the relevant fares. Meanwhile, it has been announced that three-wheeler associations operating in other provinces, in addition to the Western Province, will also take steps to increase their travel fares in the future.

Concurrently, various associations have also expressed their views regarding school transport service fares. Mr. Ruwan Prasad, Chairman of the All Ceylon Inter-Provincial Student Transport Association, stated that they would take steps to increase school van fares by 10 percent. However, Mr. Lalith Chandrasiri, Chairman of the All Ceylon School Children Transport Association, mentioned that his association is focusing on reviewing the increase in school van fares in the upcoming month of May.