Bus conductors overcharging for luggage and tuktuk mafia in Kandy

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 2,884 travellers15 found this helpful
N
Noah D.8145 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

We tried to board a bus in Kandy with huge 70L backpacks. The conductor yelled and demanded we buy two extra tickets. Then a tuktuk driver offered to take us for 5000 rupees. Scam.

15
asked about 2 months ago
N
Noah D.8145 rep2

5 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

The bus conductor is NOT scamming you. It is standard CTB policy. Government buses do not have luggage compartments. If your bag takes up a physical seat or blocks the aisle, they legally charge you for an extra passenger seat. However, the tuk-tuk driver offering 5000 rupees IS scamming you. That is the Kandy station mafia capitalizing on your frustration. Pay the bus conductor his 200 LKR for the bag seat instead.

41
answered about 2 months ago
S
Suresh K.19140 rep1

Try to sit near the front driver cabin. You can sometimes rest the bag on the hot engine cover for free.

45
answered about 2 months ago
D
Dr. Nimal.10380 rep2

Always ask for the printed machine ticket to ensure the price is legit.

30
answered about 2 months ago
B
Bhante S.9305 rep2

If you keep your bag on your lap the entire ride, they cannot charge you anything.

24
answered about 2 months ago
E
Emma L.8460 rep2

Good to know the bus rule is real. We just paid the extra seat fare.

3
answered about 2 months ago
N
Noah D.8145 rep2

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