Private bus operators have formally requested the National Transport Commission (NTC) to implement the annual bus fare revision from July 1, citing rising operating costs and growing challenges faced by the industry.
The request was submitted in writing on June 24, according to Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne.
Wijeratne said discussions between private bus operators and the National Transport Commission regarding the proposed fare revision are expected to take place within the next five days.
He noted that while private bus associations had initially proposed implementing the annual fare revision on July 5, consultations with affiliated associations resulted in a unanimous decision to request the customary July 1 implementation date.
“We discussed the matter with all our affiliated associations and obtained their approval before submitting a written request to the National Transport Commission to implement the annual bus fare revision from July 1, as has been the usual practice,” Wijeratne said.
He further stated that the associations have already submitted detailed operating cost calculations to the NTC and expressed confidence that this year’s fare revision could exceed 15 percent.
The annual bus fare revision is determined using a formula approved by the National Transport Commission, which takes into account several factors, including fuel prices, inflation, maintenance costs, spare parts, and other operational expenses.
The National Transport Commission is expected to review the submitted cost data before making a final decision on any fare adjustment.
If approved, the revised bus fares are expected to come into effect from July 1 in line with the annual fare revision mechanism.
