Bus and three-wheeler fares up

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 03:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Public transport costs rose sharply following the latest fuel price revision, with both bus and three-wheeler fares increased after a steep jump in diesel prices.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) announced that bus fares will be increased by 12.19% with effect from 12:01 a.m. today, following Cabinet approval in line with the National Tariff Policy. The revision was triggered after the price of Lanka White Diesel rose from Rs. 303 to Rs. 382 per litre on 22 March, a cumulative increase of Rs. 93, pushing the fare index beyond the 4% threshold required for an interim adjustment.

Accordingly, the minimum bus fare will rise by Rs. 3 from Rs. 27 to Rs. 30, while the maximum fare will increase by Rs. 263 from Rs. 2,159 to Rs. 2,422. The new rates will apply across all service categories, including normal, semi-luxury, luxury, and super-luxury buses operating on both expressways and regular routes.

The previous revision, implemented on 4 July 2025, was based on a diesel price of Rs. 289 per litre. Although fuel prices were adjusted multiple times since then, they had not exceeded the threshold required to trigger a fare revision until the latest increase.

Separately, three-wheeler fares in the Western Province have also been revised upward. The Road Passenger Transport Authority of the Western Province said the starting fare for the first kilometre has increased from Rs. 100 to Rs. 110, while the charge for each additional kilometre has been set at Rs. 90.

The NTC said the updated fare structures for inter-provincial and general services are available on its official website, and instructed both Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private operators to strictly adhere to the approved rates.

Passengers have been urged to report instances of overcharging via the NTC hotline 1955 or through its designated WhatsApp channel, with authorities warning that legal action will be taken against violators.