Bus firms apply for fare rise

       The Private Bus Operators Association is seeking permission from the Transport Ministry to raise bus fares on interprovincial routes by three satang a kilometre.
       Sujinda Cherdchai, chairwoman of Cherdchai Tour Co and president of the Private Bus Operators Association, said after a meeting yesterday the association had agreed to send letters to Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum and the Land Transport Department seeking permission to raise bus fares on Monday.
       They will propose a rise of three satang a kilometre, she said.
       Although the government earlier reduced diesel prices by two baht a litre,oil prices were still higher than the rate agencies use to calculate bus fares, Mrs Sujinda said.
       "We are asking the government to understand our view and allow us to raise fares," she said.Sujinda:'Won't affect "The rise of passengers that much'three satang a kilometre won't affect passengers that much."
       Operating costs were now very high,both in terms of maintenance and oil prices, she said.
       Mr Sohpon yesterday said bus operators had the right to seek a fare rise, but the Transport Ministry and the Land Transport Commission would look into several factors before deciding whether to approve it.
       The ministry's current policy is to maintain transport fares at present levels.
       Chairat Sa-nguansue, director-general of the Land Transport Department and secretary of the Central Land Transport Control Commission, said it had already been decided to watch the direction of oil prices for two weeks before committing to a fare rise.
       He warned private bus operators not to raise fares before the commission gave approval. If they did, they would face tough legal action.