Better bus service to public - LPBOA

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Lanka Private Bus Operators Association (LPBOA) yesterday explained that increase of bus fares with effect from September 22 (Tuesday) was not a demand made by their association, but said their only objective is to provide an uninterrupted and better service to the general public.LPBOA Chairman Gamunu Wijeratne told the Sunday Observer that there were many discrepancies in the fare structure.

He also indicated the National Transport Commission that if there was another fuel hike in the near future, the bus operators would be severely affected.

"We were not summoned for any discussion," regarding the fare hike, he said.

Asked whether his Association was satisfied with the new fare structure, he said the fare hike was hardly sufficient to operate a satisfactory service to the general public, but they hope to provide a smooth service.

He said when making fare increases, the authorities must also focus attention towards the high cost in the prices of tyres and tubes, lubricants, spare parts, the salaries of bus crews and high instalments paid by bus owners to finance companies.The LPBOA Chairman also alleged that some officials of the Western Province Transport Authority (WPTA) were taking bribes when issuing new route permits and as a result the Government is losing a colossal amount of revenue.

"I think the higher authorities must look into this matter urgently," he urged.