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| Sunday, 5 December 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Central Bus Stand deplorable by Anton Nonis The Central Bus Stand (CBS) in Pettah which serves as the heart of origination for public road transportation to all parts of the country, is in a severely dilapidated condition. Thousands of commuters who use the CBS to board buses or to alight at the end of journeys, are frustrated that the authorities have not taken adequate steps to revamp it in years.
According to the Central Transport Board, the bus stand is being used by over 250 buses catering to nearly 100,000 commuters, daily. This central bus premises which is located on an approximately six acre plot, makes one wonder whether any pains had been taken to maintain it after it was constructed. Anyone entering through the main gate may notice that the pathway has become bumpy due to constant use by the buses, with the tarmac broken at many places or no tarmac at all. Potholes abound as dirt and rubbish do pile. Leaving aside those buses entering or leaving the place, even walking is a problem. One wonders whether the place is being swept on a regular basis. Things take a turn for the worse when it rains. And, it needs great care by commuters to dodge mud from being splashed by passing buses, while walking around. CTB Chairman, Dr. I.S. Jayaratne admitted that CBS needed full scale renovation. "We have planned for it, but are unable to say when they would start the work," Jayaratne said. The biggest stumbling block faced by the CTB, according to Jayaratne, is the non-availability of funds. However, he said that a start would be made in this task by first attending to the rest rooms of drivers and conductors. CTB money would not be spent for the repair of the rooms. But funds donated by well-wishers will be used for this purpose. The Chairman said that well-wishers of the CTB have agreed to award 100 mattresses, pillows, pillow cases and bed sheets for this purpose. Transport Ministry Secretary, Dr. D.S. Jayaweera admitted that the bus stand had not been maintained for many years, irrespective of it being used by scores of people. Dr. Jayaweera claimed that the Ministry was ready to provide the required funds for the repair program of the CBS. "If we were intimated, we could have lent assistance to the CTB," Jayaweera said. |
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