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| Sunday, 14 November 2004 |
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Transport Minister says 'Enough is enough' by Anton Nonis Transport Minister Felix Perera angered over the wildcat strikes of the private bus operators which put the commuters into untold hardship, and warned that he would leave no room in the future for these bus operators to hold the government and the commuters to ransom. Speaking to the Sunday Observer, the minister said "Enough is Enough' and such nonsense will not be tolerated all the time." Minister Perera pointed out that two wildcat strikes were launched by private bus operators within four days last week. Over one thousand buses were out of service which paralysed the services along Colombo-Kalutara and Colombo-Negombo routes that affected several thousand commuters. Both instances were as a result of introducing additional State-run buses to strengthen the transport services. But the private bus operators by their actions have emphasised that they were not happy with it. Lanka Private Bus Operators Association (LPBOA) president, Gemunu Wijeratne said the Transport Authority of the Western Province must consult the LPBOA before introducing buses on roads. He also warned wildcat strikes if they were not consulted when deploying buses on roads in the future. Transport Minister Perera asked "what right does the LPBOA has, to dictate terms to the government. Should we have to notify them about our activities. Isn't his request high-handed?" Minister Perera said he was determined to uplift the Central Transport Board (CTB) before long, and make it compete well with the rivals. The CTB has repaired 1100 buses recently which had been added to its fleet of 3000, making a total of 4200 buses in running condition. The process will continue. The Treasury has agreed to release Rs. 11 million to repair 250 buses. Unlike the private bus operators who were worried of making high profits, the CTB is bent on providing a good service to the commuters. Minister Perera said he had given instructions to continue to issue school season tickets at concessionary rates that existed in 1970. The school children have to pay only ten per cent while the balance is reimbursed by the government. The CTB also operates buses on uneconomic routes which are untouched by the private operators. The CTB gets a subsidy of Rs. 225 million from the government for this task. Late night runs too are executed by the CTB. Apart from this, tappal service, transportation for the security forces too are provided by the CTB, the Minister pointed out. |
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