The minister continued by saying a free market policy was in effect in Cambodia and the government did not have the authority to implement fare ceilings. Nevertheless, he explained that during last year’s Pchum Ben Festival some Cambodians could not afford to go back to their home towns to perform rites in respect of their ancestors.
The minister finished off saying he wished to appeal to bus operators not to increase their fares at peak times. A spokesperson for Mey Hong said the company had already acquiesced and will be offering standard fares for Pchum Ben. Mey Hong is also reducing fares for students and Buddhist monks by US$1.
Speaking on behalf of Phnom Penh Sorya Transport, Yean Somala confirmed fares were typically jacked up by as much as 20 per cent during festival periods. The spokesperson would not be drawn on whether the fares would be increased again for Pchum Ben this year.
12GO ASIA says the best way to avoid paying over the odds for travel in Cambodia, and ensuring a seat too, is to pre-book. 12GO ASIA offers advanced ticketing services on key routes between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Kampot.
Cambodia Transport Ministry asks bus companies not to increase fares
News in Asia
The Transport Ministry of Cambodia has asked bus companies not to jack up fares during national festival periods. The request from transport-minister Sun Chanthol came ahead of the start of the Pchum Ben Ancestors’ Festival yesterday.