Fillip for inter-provincial bus transport
The National Transport Commission has decided to take specific steps
to gradually improve the quality of the transport provided to passengers
on inter-provincial buses regulated by the Commission.
A meeting to discuss the proposed changes to Permit Conditions with
representatives of the Bus Operators Associations was held on Friday,
November 9 chaired by Prof. Amal S. Kumarage, Chairman of the
Commission.
A similar meeting was held with the Chairman of the Sri Lanka
Transport Board chaired by Minister of Road Passenger Transport,
Lasantha Alagiyawanna.
The associations that participated at the discussion were the Lanka
Private Bus Owners Association, the All Ceylon Private Omnibus Owners
Federation and the Southern Province Private Bus Owners Federation.
The proposed changes to be effected from January 1 2008 are as
follows:
* Destination Boards: Each bus will have three standard destination
boards in 3 languages.
* Identification Symbols: Each bus will have the NTC or SLTB logo and
will also bear the vehicle registration number inside the bus and the
owner's details on the outside.
* Stickers and Paintings: Other than one sticker showing the name of
the person or company operating the bus, no other sticker, lettering,
paintings or decorations will be allowed on the front and rear of the
bus. This will make it easier for passengers to identify buses and read
their destination boards.
* Noise Levels: Following regular complaints by passengers, the noise
level within buses will be checked and if found in excess over the
prescribed level, the owners will be asked to make ratification to
reduce same.
In this context it is also decided to restrict the sound from audio
equipment to also fall within the same limits. Moreover, in order to
regulate content of such material broadcast within buses, no cassettes
or films can be played within a bus other than a radio.
* Closing of Doors: In order to reduce the regular death occurring
due to falls from footboards of buses, all long distance buses will be
required to have both doors closed at all times except when stopped for
picking up passengers.
* Clock and Travel Times: Every bus will have a clock on the front of
the bus clearly visible to passengers. It will also have a panel which
will display the time of departure of the bus and scheduled time of
arrival at destination.
* Issue of Tickets: All passengers will be required to be issued
tickets before a bus leaves its terminal at the origin. Time will be
provided for all buses to begin using electronic ticketing machines.
* Decorations within a bus: All unauthorised decorations within the
bus will be removed to create a more pleasant environment for
passengers.
* Limiting number of standing passengers: Presently no limits are
placed for the number of passengers that on can be carried standing in
normal buses. It is proposed to set an initial limit which will be close
to present norms and to gradually reduce this in the future.
* Fuelling of bus: At present some buses obtain fuel while on its
journey with passengers on board thereby causing inconvenience and undue
delay. It is proposed that all buses should start journey with adequate
fuel to reach the destination.
These measures are being taken under a strategic plan initiated by
the Minister of Transport, Dullass Allhapperuma to provide a better
public transport system for bus commuters. These qualitative
improvements will be implemented for both State buses as well as private
buses used for inter-provincial operations.
Furthermore, the Commission will also be checking the sizes and
spacing of seats which have to subscribe to the Regulations under the
Motor Traffic Act.
Passengers are requested to assist the Commission by bringing to its
attention of any vehicle that operates violating these conditions. These
conditions will be affected from 1st January 2008.
Passengers can report in writing to Chairman, National Transport
Commission, 241, Park Road, Colombo 5, or telephone to 011-2595555 which
will be answered 24 hours a day, all 7 days a week. Complaints can also
be sent by email to [email protected] or by contacting the Director
General, MA Jeffery (250 4476) or Director, Quality Assurance and
External Relations, Tissa Peiris (2503707). |