Western Province three-wheeler taxi fares regulated

Colombo, July 16 (Daily Mirrro) - The Western Province National Transport Commission has established new fixed fares for three-wheeler taxis. 

Effective from last night, the fare is Rs. 100 for the first kilometre and Rs. 90 for the second kilometre.

President of the All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union (AITWDU) Lalith Dharmasekera told the Daily Mirror that this new fare system was implemented by the Chairman of the Western Province National Transport Commission following orders from the Western Province Governor and recommendations from the three-wheeler fare regulation committee.

The announcement was made on July 9, and the new fares were implemented from last night (15). The maximum taxi fare is now Rs. 100 for the first kilometre and Rs. 90 for the second kilometre.

An additional 15 percent charge will apply to taxi fares between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

"Now the passengers in the Western Province have the full authority to complain to the Western Province National Transport Commission, Police or to the Consumer Affairs Authority with details against the three-wheeler taxi drivers who do not follow the rules.

These new fixed charges also apply to metered taxi operators. Taxi drivers must display the charges for the first and second kilometres clearly for passengers to see. 

However, Dharmasekera mentioned that this new rule does not apply to taxi company mobile apps, as they can manually adjust the distance,

He said that all taxi drivers must install metres visible to passengers. Those without metres can operate their three-wheelers according to their metre count but they must display the charges for each kilometre, he said.

It is now compulsory to issue a printed ticket or a handwritten bill if a passenger requests one.