'Private buses beyond NTC control'
 

BY WASANTHA Ramanayake

THE National Transport Commission cannot cope with the control of Private buses which were responsible for at least 250 deaths annually, said Transport Minister Felix Perera visiting the scene of train-bus collision at Yangalmodara level crossing, Polgahawela, on wednesday.

He said that steps should be taken to establish the CTB and amend the National Transport Commission Act accordingly.

The Minister emphasised the need to maintain discipline of private bus drivers and conductors. "There is no institution to train them other than the CTB. It is no easy task but it is a must," he added.

The Minister said that the serious thought should be given to the closed railway barriers through which drivers can drive their vehicles.

The Minister further added that he had initial discussions with the Deputy Minister Lasantha Algiyawanna and the National Transport Commission to introduce a new driving licence embedded with a electronic chip which would automatically cut points according to the traffic offence committed by the drivers.

"When a driver looses all of his points, the licence would be automatically be cancelled," he added.

Railway Operations Manager Chandrathilake on wednesday morning said that the two tracks were not damaged due to the accident and they could start normal operation when the magisterial inquiry into the incident ended.

North Western Province Chief Minister S. B. Navinna, Deputy Transport Minister Lasantha Algiyawanna, also visited the scene.