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SLTB fleet on roads to be expanded

04 Oct 2021

BY Buddhika Samaraweera In response to reports that only about 25% of private buses are currently operating despite the reopening of the country, the Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments, and Motor Car Industry State Ministry has stated that the regional depots have been instructed to deploy more Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses to areas where shortages of private buses plying the routes can be seen. Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijeratne on Sunday (3) claimed that only about 25% of private buses are currently operating despite the reopening of the country. Accordingly, when contacted by The Morning, Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments, and Motor Car Industry State Ministry Secretary, S.M.D.L.K. De Alwis said that the depots have been instructed to deploy as many buses belonging to the SLTB as possible as they have noticed a decrease in the number of private buses on the road. “There is a shortage of private buses due to various reasons, but we cannot force the private bus owners to operate buses. They are also having several issues due to the recent closure of the country. However, we have instructed the depot officials to look into the situation in each area and to deploy additional buses. The depot officials, in particular, will go to the field and then take necessary actions,” he explained. Transport Minister Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi and Transport Ministry Secretary N.B. Monti Ranatunga were not available for comment on the matter. Claiming that only about 25% of private buses are currently operating despite the reopening of the country, Wijeratne on Sunday called on the authorities to formulate a programme to ensure the continued operation of public transport services, even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to The Morning, he added that with the suspension of public transport services from time to time due to the closure of the country, the shifting of private bus sector employees to other jobs has been the main reason for the decrease in the number of buses operating at present.


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