Three-wheeler fares increased

Colombo (News1st) - Several three-wheel associations have taken steps to increase three-wheel fares from today onwards in line with the fuel price change. Incidentally, fuel prices have increased on 5 separate occasions over the past 6 months. National Joint Three-Wheeler Drivers and Industrial Workers Association Secretary Rohana Perera said that since the price of petrol has increased from Rs 118 to Rs 155, they have decided to increase their fares. The charge for the 1st kilometers remains unchanged (Rs 60), however, the second kilometers onwards the charge would be Rs 45 (per km) an increase of Rs 5. Perera noted that if they do no increase the fares they would not be able to retain the drivers in the trade. Chairman of the Lanka Self-Employed Professionals’ National Three-Wheeler Federation, Sunil Jayawardene believes that the price charges from the second kilometers onwards should be increased by Rs 10. As such three wheelers attached to the federation will charge Rs 50 from the 2nd km onwards. Jayawardene noted that if the public is inconvenienced by their decision, they should hold the authorities responsible. Chairman of the All Island Threewheeler drivers and Owners association, Sudil Jayaruk also believes that the constant fuel price hikes warrant a revision of the three-wheel charges, however, he noted that they would hold off on implementing a change in their rates until they have a discussion with the minister of transport. According to the National Council on Road Safety, the 1,150,000 registered three-wheelers in the country. 850,000 three-wheelers are currently in use and of this figure around 550,000 are used for passenger transport. Even though there are many three-wheelers on the road the Government does not have any authority in place at present to regulate the industry.