VOICE OF PEOPLE

Train commuters complained that their train fares had been increased by more than 15 per cent despite the media reports stating that the fare would be increased by 15 per cent.

When spoke with some daily commuters, Niel Fernando said he was surprised at the way in which the train fare had been revised.

“We thought that the increase of the percentage (15%) has been added to the existing fare. However, thanks to the media, we got to know that it was done not in such a manner, but based on the train fare per kilometre,” Fernando said.

Malkanthi Wathsala Tennakoon said she was not opposed to the decision to increase the train fare, but the Railways Department should announce the correct formula used to reverse train fares. “It is a known thing that SLR is experiencing a higher expenditure as against revenue. Hence, I don’t see any wrong in this,” Tennakoon said.

At the same time, Joseph Appuhami who is a government servant said it was good to increase the fare, but the Government should make sure the facilities of the compartments are upgraded. “We still use the trains and enjoy facilities that were adapted during the time of British. At present, the authorities have spent billions of rupees on building highways, expressways and new link roads. But has it initiated effective projects to upgrade the railway entity” questioned Appuhami.