Private bus owners threaten to exit national fare policy over inadequate revision

Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne, has alleged that the government has defrauded bus operators by reducing diesel prices yesterday (29) ahead of the annual bus fare revision scheduled to take effect from tomorrow (01).Wijeratne claimed that under the national bus fare policy, fares were expected to increase by a 20% from July 1. However, following the reduction in diesel prices announced yesterday (29), the expected bus fare increase is now to be around 15% to 17%.He further warned that if an adequate fare increase is not granted in line with the national policy, he will take steps to withdraw the association from the national policy through legal action.Wijeratne also alleged that the fuel price revision had been brought forward to reduce the percentage increase in bus fares and claimed that private bus operators had not been consulted by the National Transport Commission (NTC) regarding the fare revision.Speaking further, he said, “We requested a discussion to find out how this fare will be determined, but the NTC did not grant us a meeting. We also know that the government purchased diesel at a higher price, and in that case, it should be sold at Rs. 510.”He said that the fuel price formula that was supposed to be applied today (30) was implemented yesterday because they anticipated a higher bus fare increase.Wijeratne further claimed that bus operators had submitted a written notice over the issue and warned that if an adequate fare revision is not granted in accordance with the national policy, the association would seek legal action.“We have given written notices about this fraud. They are trying to avoid us and announce the bus fare. Now, a percentage of 2.8% is being reduced.”Wijeratne also stated that the LPBOA expects at least a 15% fare increase, adding that the minimum bus fare should be revised between Rs. 35 and Rs. 40.“A 20% bus fare should have been imposed. The government also committed fraud when it took over. They also committed fraud on the bus owner. They are deceiving everyone. We want at least 15%. The minimum bus fare should be between Rs. 35 and Rs. 40. The buses run not only on diesel,” he stated.He further stated that if the authorities fail to grant a fare increase in accordance with the National Policy on Bus Fares, the association would pursue legal action and take steps to withdraw from the policy.