Additional long distance buses for festive season

Additional buses will be in operation on provincial (long distance) bus routes during the holiday season to cater to the increasing passenger demand.

National Transport Commission (NTC) Chairman Roshan Gunawardene told the Sunday Observer) that the additional buses which will be in operation from the Bastian Mawatha bus terminal will not be restricted to the usual time table and will be allowed to ply on the basis of passenger needs.The special services will be in operation from December 21 to January 1, 2013 from Bastian Mawatha to the outstations.

More buses will be allocated for all major long distances routes," he said.

"The buses will leave as soon they are full and not waste time at the bus terminal.

All bus operators are advised to abide by the rules," he said.He said stern action will take to nab errant bus crew members who fleece passengers by charging exorbitant fares or in any other irregularities during the season. A special flying squad will be on duty round the clock to nab errant bus crew.The NTC will cancel or temporarily suspend the route permits of buses, if the drivers, conductors and owners are found guilty of playing truant.