Private transport to be streamlined

Suraj A Bandara

Private transport will be streamlined with a national policy. The policy will be in effect for 25 years, Private Transport Services Minister C B Ratnayake said.

The initial discussion on drafting the national policy was held at the Foundation Institute, Friday with the participation of chief ministers, transport ministers and provincial transport authorities. The objective of the national policy is to safeguard the safety, quality and productivity of transport services. The minister said the national policy will be introduced within two months and public suggestions will also be included.

He pointed out the need for an integrated timetable where both SLTB and private bus operators would work together for public benefit. He said the timetable prepared by the National Transport Commission and both SLTB and private buses will operate according to the timetable.

Ratnayake was also of the opinion that when the government is in a bid to make bus drivers and conductors’ occupation prestigious and letting them live with dignity as other employees, a system like Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and an insurance scheme should be introduced for the protection of bus employees.

The ministry has earmarked a proposal in this regard and it will be implemented soon, he added. The proposal to construct fully fledged 25 bus stands throughout the country has also been completed, he said.

Responding to the bus fare hike, he said the bus price revision will be introduced without burdening passengers. Both passengers and bus owners will be protected by the bus price revision, Ratnayake said.