Sri Lanka’s bus fares may soon see an upward revision as private bus owners gear up to propose a fare increase during the next scheduled review on July 1st.
Speaking ahead of the official submission, representatives from the bus owners’ associations say the hike is necessary to absorb the mounting pressure of operational costs. While diesel prices have remained relatively stable, nearly every other component of running a bus service has escalated in price.
They cite a significant increase in employee wages, the skyrocketing costs of lubricants, spare parts, and maintenance, and now the added blow of rising electricity tariffs which directly impact the cost of bus repairs and workshop operations.
“Just a few years ago, a brand-new bus cost around Rs. 13 million. Today, the same vehicle will set you back more than Rs. 18 million,” one bus owner remarked, noting that profitability has been rapidly eroded by inflationary trends across the board.
The fare hike proposal will be officially handed over to the National Transport Commission (NTC) tomorrow. While the exact percentage of the expected increase has not yet been disclosed, insiders suggest both the minimum fare and distance-based rates are under review.
Commuters, already burdened by rising living expenses, are likely to be watching this development closely, with many hoping the government will consider alternatives or subsidies to offset the potential impact on daily travel budgets.
