Private transport service to be revamped - Minister C.B. Ratnayake

by Naalir Jamaldeen

Private Transport Minister C.B. Ratnayake said that Private Transport Ministry has taken staps to improve the passenger the transport services. Bank facilities will also be provided at main bus terminals.

He said that new bus terminals will consist of a sub post office, communication centre, police post and a rest room. Control rooms of Provincial Transport Authorities will also be set up at terminals and linked with the main control room of National Transport Commission (NTC).

The NTC has provided the technology and fundamental facilities in all developed bus terminals.

He said that the Government has allocated Rs. 100 million to improve the Sisu Seriya service in the country.

North Central Province Transport Minister H.B. Semasinghe brought to the attention of the Minister that he was not happy with the facilities in the hotels where long trip buses stop. New regulations should be implemented to regulate such hotels.

Private Transport Ministry Secretary Padmasiri Jayamanne said that the Private Transport Ministry has introduced a number of programs to provide a satisfactory service to passengers.

The support from the Provincial Transport.

Authorities are crucial to implement the proposed programs.

NTC Chairman Renuka Dushyantha Perera said, to provide the needs of rural people, steps will be taken to further expand the Nisi Seriya, Sisu Seriya and Gem Seriya programs.

Getting spare parts for private buses at concessionary prices, reducing interest rates when buying buses, developing facilities at bus terminals, implementing joint timetable, training drivers and conductors and other problems will be resolved, Ministry sources said.

Discussions will be held with Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in on the development of passenger transport service.

The decisions taken during the meeting with Minister Rajapaksa will be forwarded to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministry sources said.