NTC firm only on marginal fare hike

National Transport Commission (NTC) will not change its stance on the percentage approved for bus fare revisions, said a NTC top official.

He said the NTC agreed to revise fares by 5.3 percent considering the recent increase in the price of a litre of diesel.

"The NTC will not go beyond what was agreed to burden commuters who are saddled with financial constraints. Bus operators and associations could clamour for hikes but finally it is the NTC that implements decisions", he said.

Bus owners associations are demanding over a seven percent revision in bus fares considering the surge in fuel prices and other expenses on maintenance.

The Private Bus Operators Association said they are prepared to take stern action if a fare revision is not granted. The Association rejected the proposed hike by the NTC claiming it was inadequate to meet the expenses.

The bus associations did not revise fares at the annual revision in July as a mark of gratitude for the victory in the battlefront.

The NTC approves an interim revision in fares only if fuel prices is increased by over four percent. The annual increase is based on a 12 point formula on maintenance.

(LF)