It's either half fare or a seat for children

by Priyan de Silva - Matara Sports Cor.

Although the National Transport Commission (NTC) has specifically states that 'If a bus is in normal service children between the ages of 3 - 12 years should be able to travel at half the normal adult bus fare'. Private bus conductors on long distance routes insist that a child travelling on half fare is not entitled to a seat and demand that the full fare should be paid or sits on the parent's lap which is a gross violation of the child's rights.

I have personally experienced this situation many a time when travelling from Matara to Colombo and vice versa with my youngest son. On each occasion I had to remind the conductors of the passengers rights laid down by the NTC which invariably these individuals who carry a NTC ID had forgotten.

There are many excuses tendered by these conductors the most common being "I was not aware of it" or "I normally work on a luxury bus and am on temporary duty on this service". I am sure that most parents travelling on long distance but routes have experienced this situation.

Dear fellow commuters although they are flouted daily these are your rights as passengers!

Bus passengers rights as specified by the National Transport Commission (NTC):You have the right to buy a ticket at the start of your journey prior to the bus leaving the bus stand.

You have the right to obtain a ticket depicting the location of boarding and dismounting, the ticket fare, date and the registration number of the bus.

You should be able to travel safely up to the destination to which the fee was paid for. You should receive courteous, welcoming service by a well mannered smartly and decently clad bus conductor and driver.

If a bus in normal service children between the ages of 3 - 12 years should be able to travel at half the normal adult bus fare. If a luxury bus service you should enjoy air conditioning facilities and travel in a service not carrying more than the approved number of passengers. As smoking is forbidden in public transport services you have the right to travel in a smoke free environment.

You have the right to oppose driving that is of high speed, reckless and dangerous or is breaking road rules.