More buses and trains during New Year

By Isuri Kaviratne

More trains and buses have been added to ensure an uninterrupted transport service during the forthcoming New Year. National Transport Commission Chairman M.A.P. Hemachandra said highway buses will operate on April 13 and 14 as the permanent bus-permit holders have agreed to take turns to run buses on these days.

He said the new transport schedule that was initiated on Friday, April 8, has been a success and will continue throughout the New Year season. Adding more buses to the highway routes from Maharagama, Kadawatha, Kaduwela and Negombo will reduce the number of commuters coming to Colombo for transport to the outstations, thus easing city traffic as well.

“Over 10 temporary highway bus permits were issued within the past few days and more will be issued as the need arises,” Hemachandra said. The number of temporary permits for air-conditioned buses along the Galle Road is much higher.

The police have been instructed to take action against errant highway bus drivers and conductors who overload passengers and aggrieved passengers could call the NTC Hotline 1955 or 0112333222, he said.

Deputy General Manager, Ceylon Transport Board Raja Gunathilaka said seat bookings have been cancelled due to the large number of passengers travelling during this season This would not cause any inconvenience to the public as the CTB has added 400 additional buses on the busiest routes. Buses will operate on April 13 and 14 April as well. If there are any complaints about the times of buses or bus fares, he called upon commuters to lodge a complaint on 0117555555.