Private bus services to be limited amid fare dispute and rising costs

The Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne, says that the association has decided to limit public transport operations.

Speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo today (07), he stated that around 25% of buses have already withdrawn from service voluntarily.

He said the decision was made due to the lack of a positive response to the requested fare revision following the recent fuel price increase.

Accordingly, bus operations will be limited from tomorrow (08), with services expected to be reduced by up to 50%.

He further said:

“From this week onwards, we have decided to limit bus operations. We had requested temporary relief to operate buses for a month, but neither the National Transport Commission nor the Minister has responded positively. The annual fare revision must be implemented in the first week of July. We also have the legal authority to implement the revised fares."

"We held discussions last Friday. Diesel prices are also expected to increase by the end of this month. Considering all this, we are proceeding with the fare revision. This year’s fare adjustment will be difficult for the public to bear, as all costs have increased by around 20% to 25%,” he added.

Wijeratne further stated that, “We cannot continue operating at a loss. That is why we requested some relief on diesel under the legal framework, but it has not been implemented. Therefore, we have decided to escalate our industrial action. Already, about 25% of buses have voluntarily withdrawn from service. This week, we will intensify our action by adjusting schedules and limiting operations."

"Only essential services will be operated during peak hours such as mornings, school closing times, and evening office hours. Instead of four trips, only three will be operated in those time slots. Overall operations will be reduced to about 50%. The government must take responsibility for this situation,” he said.