News
Tuks not troubled as fuel prices topple
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
Despite a reduction of Rs. 22 in fuel prices on September 30, three-wheeler passengers are yet to benefit from it.
A price revision for three-wheelers in the Western Province was announced on October 7, with implementation set for Tuesday, October 15. Under the new pricing structure, fares will be set at Rs. 100 for the first kilometre and Rs.85 for each second kilometre onwards.
However, unions and associations claim that the reduction will not be implemented as a ground-level monitoring system is not in place, allowing the drivers to charge as they please.
No reduction in three wheeler fare prices. Pic by Eshan Fernando
The United National Three-Wheeler Drivers and Industry Workers Union Secretary L. Rohana Perera told the Sunday Times that although gazettes were issued for three other provinces (Southern, Northern and Wayamba), actions of officials within the respective provincial councils have become a hurdle in implementing the price revision.
Their excuse, is the lack of staff, he says, questioning why existing personnel cannot carry out the necessary changes.
Mr. Perera pointed out that taxi services such as PickMe and Uber, while required to implement the fare reductions, may not adhere to the new pricing structure as independent companies.
He added that a decision has been made for officials involved in monitoring bus fares to monitor three-wheeler fares as well. “Although a request for police involvement has been made, they cannot manage the situation alone and require support from the National Transport Commission (NTC), yet no effective system has been established” he said.
He also raised concerns about drivers using applications that allow them to calculate fares, often adjusting the fixed amount per kilometre, with GPS systems that do not accurately measure distance. He said these are unauthorised applications.
The All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers Union President Lalith Dharmasekara said that although two fuel price revisions since July have resulted in a Rs. 44-deduction, three-wheeler fares remain unchanged.
While raising concerns of practical implementation, Mr. Dharmasekara stressed the necessity of implementing ground rules to prevent unnecessary price fluctuations.
Railways Spokesman N.J. Indipola said that there are no plans to revise train ticket prices.
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