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NTC wants bus companies formed before March

by Rajmi Manatunga

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has informed all private bus operators to form their own bus companies before March 2003.

The decision has been taken to facilitate the issue of annual permits by provincial transport authorities. After the formation of separate companies for private bus operators, the current procedure of issuing annual permits to individual bus owners will be replaced by a new system to issue permits to bus companies.

According to the circular, each company should comprise at least 50 private buses and it is reported that around 60 companies have already been formed in the Colombo, Kurunegala and Kalutara districts. Private bus owners expressed optimism that the formation of private bus companies will improve and effect discipline in the service as it will promote collective work reducing the current competition in the sector.

"These companies will benefit everybody including commuters, bus owners and employees.

We have asked all our members to register under a company in their respective service areas. All provincial transport authorities have approved the move except for the Western Provincial Council which has opposed the formation of private bus companies in contravention of the recommendations of the Cabinet," a spokesman for the Private Bus Operators Association said.

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