Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Wednesday, 22 December 2021 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Bus operators yesterday urged the Government to extend a concessionary rate for diesel at least for the public transportation or face a suspension of services or a fare hike.
All Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association General Secretary Anjana Priyanjith said if the Government cannot accommodate a concessionary rate for public transportation, they will have to increase the minimum bus fare by Rs. 11 to Rs. 25.
Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association President Gemunu Wijeratne said they have submitted two proposals including to make vaccination cards mandatory and amend certain laws under the Motor Traffic Act to be effective from 1 January 2022.
He said the new amendments to the law includes to allow buses to be operated with or without conductors and assistants – a request they have made since the outbreak of COVID-19.
“Our cost of operations had increased by three-folds and already many have moved to different sectors for a livelihood. However, if the Government addresses our demands, we will be in a position to cover the expenses,” he added.
Wijeratne said if the Government fails to fulfil their two main demands, they will stop operations.
