Bus transport to be refurbished from Jan. 1

The National Transport Commission has taken steps to improve the quality of the transportation on inter-provincial buses regulated by the Commission.

A meeting to discuss the proposed changes to permit conditions with representatives of the Bus Operators Association was held chaired by Prof. Amal S. Kumarage, Chairman of the Commission.

The associations that participated at the discussion were Lanka Private Bus Owners Association, All Ceylon Private Omnibus Owners Federation and Southern Province Private Bus Owners Federation. The proposed changes to be effected from January 1, 2008 are as follows:

* Destination boards: Each bus will have three standard destination boards in all three languages.

* Identification symbols: Each bus will have the NTC or SLTB logo and will also bear the vehicle registration number inside the bus and the owner's details on the outside.

* Stickers and paintings: Other than one sticker showing the name of the person or company operating the bus, no other stickers, lettering, paintings or decorations will be allowed on the front and rear of the bus. This will make it easier for passengers to identify buses and read their destination boards.

* Noise levels: Following regular complaints by passengers, the noise level within buses will be checked if found in excess over the prescribed level, the owners will be asked to make rectification to reduce same.

In the context it has also been decided to restrict the sound from audio equipment to also fall within the same limits. Moreover, in order to regulate content of such material broadcast within buses, no cassettes or films can be played within a bus other than a radio.

* Closing of doors: In order to reduce the regular deaths occurring due to falls from footboards of buses, all long distance buses will be required to have both doors closed at all times except when stopped for picking up passengers.

* Clock and travel times: Every bus will have a clock in the front interior of the bus clearly visible to passengers.

It will also have a panel which will display the time of departure of the bus and scheduled time of arrival at destination.

* Issue of tickets: All passengers will be required to be issued tickets before a bus leaves its terminal at the origin. Time will be provided for all buses to begin using electronic ticketing machines.

* Decorations within a bus: All unauthorised decorations within the bus will be removed to create a more pleasant environment for passengers.

* Limiting number of standing passengers: Presently no limits have been placed for the number of passengers that can be carried standing in normal buses. It is proposed to set an initial limit which will be close to present norms and to gradually reduce this in the future.

* Fuelling buses: At present some buses pump in fuel while on its journey with passengers on board thereby causing inconvenience and undue delay. It is proposed that all buses should start their journeys with adequate fuel to reach the destination.

These steps are being taken under a strategic plan initiated by the Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma to provide a better public transport system for bus commuters.

These qualitative improvements will be implemented for both State buses as well as private buses used for inter-provincial operations. Furthermore, the Commission will also be checking the sizes and spacing of seats which have to subscribe to regulations under the Motor Traffic Act.

Passengers are requested to assist the commission by bringing to its attention of any vehicle that operates violating these conditions. These conditions will be affected from January 1 2008.

Passengers can report in writing to Chairman, National Transport Commission, 241, Park Road, Colombo 5 or telephone 2595555 which will be answered 24 hours a day all 7 days a week. Complaints can also be sent by email to [email protected] or by contacting the Director General, M. A. Jeffrey (2504476) or Director, Quality Assurance & External Relations, Tissa Peiris (2503707).