Three-wheeler unions have decided to increase fares, the Three Wheeler Drivers’ Association announced today.

President of the Association Lalith Dharmasekera said that the first kilometer fares have been increased to Rs. 120 while Rs. 100 will be charged from the 2nd kilometer.

Speaking to the media, he said that three-wheeler drivers are currently finding it difficult to do their trade, while the public is also severely affected as a result.

Lalith Dharmasekera urged the National Transport Commission to intervene and quickly resolve the issues pertaining to public transportation.

He further pointed out that three-wheelers that operate as taxi services as well as those with meters from other companies have increased fares as they wish and are currently running on a fare of Rs. 250 for the first kilometer. 

Stating that an agreement had been made to amend fares to Rs. 100 for the first kilometer and Rs. 90 for the 2nd kilometer due to the fuel shortage, he said that however, three-wheelers with meters from certain companies had quoted Rs. 120 for the first kilometer and Rs. 100 for the 2nd kilometer. 

The President of the Three Wheeler Drivers’ Association requested the public to inquire about the kilometer rates prior to embarking on their journeys. 

Lalith Dharmasekera said that a systematic programme must be introduced for the operation of three-wheelers in the country. 

He further said that the Association intends to register all three-wheelers without meters in the Western province from the 1st  of September and implement a systematic programme for their operation. (NewsWire)