Another 42 new buses for SLTB

The revived SLTB received a further boost with the addition of another 42 new buses to its long distance services from the Pettah Bus Stand on Sunday.

These 48 seater buses are from the second instalment of a consignment of 2,000 new buses ordered from India under an Indian Credit Line.

Railways, Petroleum and Petroleum Resources Minister A.H.M. Fowzie officially handed over the 42 new buses to the authorities of five SLTB depots operating them at a ceremony at the Pettah Bus Stand, a Ministry release said yesterday.

The release added that of the 42 new buses, 15 were assigned to the Hatton Depot and 10 to the Avissawella depot to serve pilgrims during the Sri Pada season which has just begun. The balance were given to the Badulla, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy depots. Fowzie said the SLTB would be able to provide a streamlined service to commuters as a 2,000 new buses would be added to its fleet by mid next year.

Apart from these, several buses on the breakdown list would be repaired and made roadworthy utilising funds allocated by the President, the Minister said.

Reviving an institution which has crashed is no easy task, Fowzie said. He was confident of reviving the SLTB as a vibrant service because he had efficient officials to assist him.

Transport Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna and SLTB Chairman Tudor Dayaratne were present.