SLTB fleet to be increased

P P G Sugathadasa - Thihagoda group corr

The Ministry of Transport has taken steps to increase the existing fleet of buses of the Sri Lanka Transport Board.

According to SLTB Chairman M D Bandusena, at present the SLTB bus fleet is 5,125. It would be increased up to 6,000 within the course of the current year and the Transport Ministry aims to increase that number up to 7,000 prior to end of 2012, he said. Another 500 new buses are to be purchased from an Indian bus company and add them to the existing fleet. Steps have also been initiated to repair the dilapidated and broken down buses which are idling at depots and put them back on the roads. On commuter requirements, all these buses were to be used on long and short distance services and rural areas as well, Chairman M D Bandusena stated.