March 22, Colombo (LNW): Commuters across the country are set to face revised bus fares from today, as the National Transport Commission moves forward with a long-anticipated pricing adjustment.
Authorities confirmed that final calculations had been completed following a sharp rise in operating costs, with fuel expenses playing a central role in the decision. Officials indicated that while previous increases in fuel prices had not been reflected in ticket rates, the current situation had made a revision unavoidable.
Industry representatives have suggested that passengers should brace for a noticeable increase. The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association has indicated that fares could rise by at least 15 per cent, citing mounting financial pressure on private bus operators.
The latest development comes on the heels of a significant hike in diesel prices, which reportedly jumped by over 30 per cent from midnight the previous day. Bus operators argue that such steep increases have strained their ability to maintain services without adjusting fares.
Transport authorities maintain that the revision aims to strike a balance between sustaining public transport services and minimising the burden on daily commuters, though many passengers are likely to feel the impact immediately.