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To reduce fares or not : Private transport operators at crossroads
View(s):Private passenger transport operators are at odds over lowering fares despite the latest fuel price reduction. One of the largest private operator organisations said they were unable to reduce fares because prices of spare parts, tyres and services had gone up due to the depreciation of the rupee. Another said they had already effected a two percent reduction.
According to Gemunu Wijeratne, president of the Private Bus Owners Association, an immediate reduction was not possible. However, Stanley Fernando the president of Lanka Private Bus Association’s trade union alliance, said they brought down the fares after the new government appointed on October 26 reduced the fuel prices.
Lalith Dharmasekara, President of the All Island Three Wheel Drivers Union, said, different unions were adopting different fares. He said they had got their meters re-set to charge Rs 60 for the first kilometer and Rs. 45 from the second kilometre onwards. He said they had not increased the prices for a long time and therefore did not reduce fares when the fuel prices were slashed by Rs. 5 recently.
Sunil Jayawardena, President of the Lanka Self Employed Three Wheeler Drivers National Federation, said they would be writing to the Transport Minister, requesting some concession. If it was granted, they would bring down the first kilometre charge to Rs. 50. Meanwhile, the National Joint Three Wheeler Drivers Associations’ Secretary Rohana Perera said that they would reduce the fare only if the government bring down the taxes on vehicle parts.
He said they were hoping to meet the new Prime Minister to discuss concessions and tax relief.