PBOA wants fare hike

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Private Bus Operators Association (PBOA) said the Transport Ministry should allow them to increase bus fares from July, or else the PBOA will challenge it in the Courts.

PBOA Chairman, Gamunu Wijeratne told the Sunday Observer that increasing bus fares during June-July takes place annually and therefore the authorities should take an immediate decision. He said there were many shortcomings in the fare structure and the matter was brought to the notice of the relevant authorities.

"Therefore, it is up to the Transport Minister to intervene in the matter at this juncture, considering the invaluable service rendered by the country's largest transport organisation, the PBOA which has over 6,000 buses islandwide,"

Responding to a question, Wijeratne said the PBOA called upon the authorities to increase the six rupee short distance fare to seven rupees.