The annual bus fare revision came into effect from today (06) following approval by the National Transport Commission (NTC), with fare increases ranging from 12 percent to 20 percent depending on the category of service.
Under the revised fare structure, the minimum fare for normal bus services has increased from Rs. 30 to Rs. 34, while the maximum fare has been raised from Rs. 2,422 to Rs. 2,902.
For semi-luxury bus services, the minimum fare has increased from Rs. 44 to Rs. 51, while the maximum fare has risen from Rs. 3,330 to Rs. 4,353.
Luxury bus services will now charge a minimum fare of Rs. 66, up from Rs. 60, while the maximum fare has increased from Rs. 4,405 to Rs. 5,571.
Inter-provincial bus fares have also been revised. Under the new rates:
- Colombo – Kandy: Rs. 521
- Colombo – Galle: Rs. 496
- Colombo – Matara: Rs. 681
The National Transport Commission said all bus operators have been instructed to update their electronic ticketing machines, and islandwide inspections will be carried out to ensure the new fares are implemented correctly.
However, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said updating ticketing machines across the fleet may take another two days and requested passengers to cooperate during the transition period.
