Sri Lanka, June 25 -- Private bus operators have formally requested the National Transport Commission (NTC) to implement the annual bus fare revision from July 1, ahead of the previously proposed date of July 5.

Speaking to the media, Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, said a written request endorsed by all private bus associations was submitted to the NTC yesterday.

He said final discussions with the NTC on the proposed fare revision are expected to take place within the next five days.

Wijeratne noted that the proposed adjustment should be regarded as a fare increase rather than a routine revision.

"We expect a bus fare increase of between 15% and 20%. The industry has been operating at a signi...