School transport fees to increase by 5% following fuel price hike

School transport fees will be increased by five per cent following the government’s recent decision to raise fuel prices, the All Island School Children's Transport Association said.

Addressing the media Chairman of the School Children's Transport  Association Lalith Chandrasiri Fernando said the decision was taken to protect the livelihoods of school van operators and to maintain the quality of the service in light of the rising fuel costs.

"A 5% increase will apply to students currently paying more than Rs. 5,000 per month for transport. For students paying less than Rs. 5,000, the association plans to increase the monthly fee by Rs. 200," he explained.

Fernando pointed out that the price of white diesel, which is used by most school vans, increased by Rs. 22.00 yesterday. He added that the price had already been raised by Rs. 4 earlier this month, bringing the total increase in white diesel prices to Rs. 26.

He said that the decision was taken in order to continue providing the service while managing rising operational costs.

Fernando emphasised that with the direct increase in fuel costs, continuing the service under the previous rates has become impractical and financially unsustainable.

He further added that the recent fuel price increase has had a severe impact on the sector amid the current economic situation.

source: Daily Mirror