• NTC to submit amendments including to fares for gazetting

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that regulations concerning three-wheeler drivers and amendments to three-wheeler fares will be submitted by early next month (June), following which measures to gazette them will commence.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, NTC Chairperson, engineer P A Chandrapala said the regulations have now been drafted, taking into account variables related to three-wheeler drivers across the country. When contacted, a source from the Transport Ministry said the drafting also considers the needs and practical issues of three-wheeler operators. “For instance, in the Colombo area, if you go for a hire from one place to another, the possibility is that they might get another hire also. In suburban areas, the chance is less. On the other hand, in hilly areas like Kandy, the fuel consumption is higher. Hence, there can be slight changes in the drafted fares as well,” the source said.

He also noted the regulations are intended to curb arbitrary price hikes by three-wheeler drivers, which have raised concerns among consumers.

The All Ceylon Three-Wheeler Drivers Association had raised concerns earlier over the NTC taking over the authority to decide three-wheeler fares. They noted that with the surging cost of living, drivers are facing adversity as they cannot increase fares themselves.