Bus fares could be revised once again under the national bus fare policy scheduled to be implemented in July, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday (24) at the Department of Government Information, Dr. Jayatissa said that any future revision would depend on developments linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East (ME).

Responding to a query on whether fares could be increased again, he noted that certain decisions may have to be taken depending on how the situation evolves, and that such decisions would be made at the appropriate time.

However, he stressed that the Government’s priority is to provide relief to the public. He said that if fuel prices decline, the benefit would be passed on to commuters, with the possibility of reducing the recently increased bus fares.

“I don’t think such a need will arise. At the moment, there is a war in the ME, and due to that, fuel prices had to be increased. Future decisions will depend on how the situation unfolds. If the war escalates and supply chains collapse, such decisions may become necessary,” he said.

He added that the Government is working to ensure maximum relief to the public and that any easing in fuel prices would allow for a reassessment of bus fares.