June 07, Colombo (LNW): Commuters across Sri Lanka may face reduced public transport availability from 8 June, after private bus operators announced plans to cut services in response to mounting operational costs and the absence of a revised fare structure.
The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) said transport providers are increasingly struggling to absorb rising expenses, particularly following the recent increase in fuel prices. As a result, operators have decided to reduce the number of buses on the road, with service levels expected to fall significantly over the coming days.
Addressing a briefing in Colombo, LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne stated that a sizeable number of operators had already begun withdrawing vehicles from service on a voluntary basis. He estimated that roughly a quarter of the private bus fleet is currently inactive, a figure that could increase if the ongoing dispute remains unresolved.
According to the association, repeated appeals for temporary relief measures and an early review of fares have failed to secure a favourable response from transport authorities. Bus owners argue that current fare levels no longer reflect the realities of operating costs, which they claim have risen sharply over the past year.
Under the planned action, services will be prioritised during the busiest travel periods, including morning rush hours, school dismissal times and the evening commute. However, even during these periods, operators are expected to reduce the number of scheduled journeys. Routes that previously operated several trips within a given timeframe may see frequencies cut, resulting in longer waiting times for passengers.
The association also signalled that this year’s annual fare revision, traditionally implemented in early July, could result in a noticeable increase due to escalating costs associated with fuel, maintenance, spare parts and labour. Industry representatives warned that many operators are now functioning at a loss and may be unable to continue normal operations without financial adjustments.
Wijeratne maintained that bus owners had sought assistance within the existing legal framework, including measures to offset fuel-related expenses, but claimed those requests had not been addressed. He added that the industry would continue to escalate its response if a solution is not reached, while emphasising that responsibility for the disruption rests with the relevant authorities.
Passengers have been advised to expect service interruptions and plan their journeys accordingly as discussions between transport stakeholders and government officials continue.
