• Cites complexity of calculating bus fares, forwards calculations to Transport Ministry; private buses push for further diesel price reduction    

Despite any reduction of the price of diesel, a consequent revision of bus fares seems highly unlikely, said National Transport Commission (NTC) Director General Commander (Retd.) Dr. Nilan Miranda.

Speaking to The Morning yesterday (11), he stated that a mere change in the price of fuel is inadequate for a revision of bus fares given the very complex interplay between the two.

“By just reducing the fuel price, it is hard to predict the effect it will have on bus fares, as a completely different, and complex calculation is involved in determining bus fares. Though some bus associations have claimed it is possible, in reality, that seems highly unlikely,” he said.

Furthermore, he stated that the calculations that the NTC had formulated along with the results of the special discussion held between the NTC and the relevant private bus associations on Monday (9) had been forwarded to the Ministry of Transport.

However, speaking to The Morning yesterday, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne stated that a bus fare reduction could be considered if the diesel prices go down by Rs.10 while assuring that the public can expect a bus fare reduction in the very near future.