Cabinet approves revision of bus fares

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to revise bus fares.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced the decision during today’s Cabinet media briefing.

The Minister noted that, under the current bus fare policy, the National Transport Commission (NTC) is required to announce the annual bus fare revision on July 1 each year.

Accordingly, the fare revision takes into account factors such as the continuous fluctuations in fuel prices resulting from the conflict in the Middle East since February 2026, changes in operational costs, the types of buses currently in operation, and fluctuations in the value of the US dollar.

In addition, the National Transport Commission appointed a committee to submit recommendations for updating and revising the existing bus fare formula (cost index) and fare structure. The committee evaluated the impact of changes in the prices of bus spare parts, buses operating on expressways, and the recently introduced low-floor buses operated by Lanka Metro Transit Limited.

Based on the committee's recommendations, the National Transport Commission formulated the revised bus fares, taking into account the fuel price revision that came into effect on June 30, 2026.

The Cabinet of Ministers subsequently approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesperson also confirmed that bus fares will be increased, with the revised fare percentage expected to be announced by the National Transport Commission (NTC).