No new permits for private bus operators
Enough buses to provide good service
By Lalin Fernandopulle
[email protected]
The Ministry of Transport will not issue new permits to private bus
operators as the number of buses that operate is sufficient to provide a
good service.
Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Nihal Somaweera said that the
Ministry took this decision to provide a better service to commuters by
improving the facilities and making maximum use of the buses that
operate in the country.
"Most buses are underutilised and the average mileage per day of
private bus operators is around 100 kilometres.
While the minimum mileage of private bus operators is 150 kilometres
CTB buses are expected to travel 200 kilometres a day", he said. The
Secretary said if bus operators ply according to a proper time schedule
there is no need to increase the number of buses. Most private bus
operators are not making profits and are only adding to the congestion
on roads.
While private bus owners operate around 20,000 buses the Ceylon
Transport Board (CTB) operates around 5,000 buses. "By curtailing the
number of bus operators, the Ministry can monitor the standard of
services and take action against those violating regulations.
Bus operators have to follow guidelines on sound control and the
maximum emission levels", he said.
The Ministry of Transport will reduce the number of gates at the
Pettah Central Bus Stand as a security measure to counter terrorist
attacks.
There will be only two gates with checkpoints at the entrance and
exit points. Armour plates will be provided for buses plying in certain
areas to protect passengers from claymore mines. Buses with armour
plates will have a less loading capacity.
The Secretary said the Ministry has planned to renovate the Pettah
Central Bus Stand and provide better facilities to commuters.
The assistance of the private sector will be obtained to improve
visibility, replace brick walls with iron railings, tile floors, improve
the drainage system and sanitary facilities. |
