Bus fares up by 7% from today

Bus fares of both the private and State services will go up by 7% with effect from today, the National Transport Commission (NTC), said.

However, the minimum bus fare, which is Rs 9 at present, will not be increased. Following numerous demands of bus owners, that also included two countrywide bus strikes, the Ministry of Private Transport Services announced an increase in fares by 7% on 12 October.However, bus owners question the authority of the NTC to revise bus fares, and intend filing a petition in the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, the bus fares of the Southern Expressway will also be increased to Rs 500 from Rs 470, which was the amount charged for the use of the entire stretch of the expressway.

(Courtesy: Ceylon Today Online)