Bus operators push for higher fares

 "The association is the gathering of bus operators who provide services on 300 routes nationwide. We have been experienced losses after the hike in diesel prices. Next week, we will discuss this with Transport Co Ltd and Land Transport Department Director-General Silpachai Charukasemwatana," Suchinda said.

 She also said in the discussion, the private bus operators will also ask for the permission to reduce the number of trips on each route to match the number of passengers, which has been lower in line with the economic condition. She also said as low-cost airlines offer tickets of which prices are close to bus fares, many travellers have changed their travelling mode.

 Diesel is now Bt25.74 per litre.

 Vuthichart Kalayanamitr, acting president of Transport Co Ltd, said the company, under the supervision of the Transport Ministry, will not raise the fares, on a belief that diesel prices would ease soon. To cope with the higher oil prices, the company has reduced the number of trips by 30 per cent and in 2008 it will start servicing with 50 NGV-fuelled buses to help lessen fuel bills.

 The company also expects its net profit to increase 50 per cent from the past year when its net profit was Bt230 million. In the first eight months of this year, the company has generated Bt286 million in net profit, due mainly to the increase of cargo and postal shipment as well as cost cutting and expansion of ticketing outlets.

 On private operators' request, Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen said that it needs to be discussed how much the fuel price hike affects the operating costs.

 "We cannot immediately allow them to do so as this is subject to the permission of the Transport Committee," he said.

- The Nation