The bus unions say they will increase bus fares by 20% based on measures taken to increase the price of a liter of diesel.

They also say that the minimum bus fare will have to be increased to 25 rupees.

The All Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association states that the increase in fares was in view of the prevailing increase in fuel prices as well as spare parts prices and the increase in lubricant prices.

However, the union says that bus fares should be increased by a higher percentage due to the increase in fuel prices.

They also point out that the collapse of the public transport service has created a heavy traffic jam as people have been forced to travel in private vehicles.