(UTV | COLOMBO) – Director General of the National Transport Commission Nilan Miranda says a decision will be taken to reduce bus fares further in the near future since last September fares were increased by 20 percent on the condition that passengers will be transported according to seat numbers considering the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nilan Miranda said necessary steps will be taken to reduce bus fares by 20% since passengers are now being transported beyond the seating capacity at present.
He said National Transport Commission with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers based on a circular issued by the Ministry of Health increased bus fares of normal bus routes by 20%.
The NTC Director General said steps have already been taken to direct a Cabinet Paper in order to obtain Cabinet approval.
He also said they have directed letters to the Health Ministry to inquire their current recommendations on passenger transport.
When questioned by media on a timeline as to when the reduction will be implemented, Miranda said he was unable to confirm an exact date but confirmed they will implement the reduction as soon as possible.