The Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA), has described the proposed annual bus fare revision as "distorted," claiming the government has deliberately failed to regulate fares.
LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne said more than 10,000 short-distance buses and around 3,000 long-distance buses currently operate across the country.
He argued that introducing two separate fare structures for short- and long-distance bus services would place an unnecessary burden on commuters.
Wijeratne also questioned what would happen to the approved 12% fare increase for short-distance services if fuel prices continue to decline, noting that operators would not be able to reduce short-distance fares even if diesel prices fall further.
He further stated that the National Transport Commission has approved a 20% fare increase for long-distance bus services under the annual fare revision.
Commenting on the proposed revision, Wijeratne warned that the decision could push the private bus industry into a serious crisis in the future.
The proposed annual bus fare revision is scheduled to take effect from midnight today (05).
