BY Buddhika Samaraweera Bus fares have been increased with effect from 5 January 2022, according to the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA).LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne told The Morning yesterday (29) that the minimum bus fare which was Rs. 14 has been increased to Rs. 17 while other bus fares have been increased by 17.4%, with effect from 5 January 2022.Following the Government’s decision to increase the fuel prices with effect from 21 December, the LPBOA stated last week that bus fares would definitely have to be increased in line with the revised fuel prices.However, emphasising that they would not accept a revision in bus fares by 7.5% or 10% as it had been tipped earlier, the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association (ACPBOA) on Tuesday (28) demanded that bus fares be revised at least by 20%, taking into account the prevailing fuel prices.Meanwhile, speaking to the media last Sunday (26), State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments, and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama said that the Government would have to revise the bus fares by a small amount. “We will allow a hike in bus fares under the condition that it is reduced when the fuel prices go down and the restrictions on the passenger capacity are lifted. We are doing this reluctantly,” he said.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC), the leading fuel suppliers in the country, announced that the fuel prices have been increased, which came into effect on 21 December.
