Road accident deaths more than those from natural causes - NTC Head

'Public shying away from public transport':

Irangika RANGE

People die in road accidents more than from diseases or other natural disasters, National Transport Commission chairman Roshan Gunawardene said.

Addressing the first workshop to educate private bus owners, drivers and conductors on road safety in the Nuwara Eliya district, Gunawardene said people have discarded the public transport service due to increasing incidence of road traffic crashes involving passenger transport buses and increased private vehicle usage due to tax reduction. Gunawardene quoting the Central Bank Annual Report, said the use of public transportation has decreased from 61 percent in 2011 to 49 percent.

"The number of people using passenger transport services has reduced prompting them to patronise their own vehicles. Therefore, we need to encourage public transport services by providing a satisfactory and punctual service," Gunawardene said.

"We have initiated a programme to educate and train personnel, private bus owners, drivers and conductors on road safety to accomplish this. Bus operators should obey road rules to minimise accidents," the chairman said.

The NTC is committed to safeguard the private bus industry and create disciplined drivers through awareness and training programmes conducted district wise. "We are responsible to provide a safe and comfortable transport service to the public," he said.

Gunawardene said the underlying cause of the majority of accidents was carelessness.

"Therefore, both the driver and the conductor have a responsibility to correct their faulty practices," he said.

"We will implement a special mechanism to appreciate the service of drivers and conductors not involved in any wrongful activities on the road," he said.

"The best driver and conductor will be rewarded and their names published in the media,websites and notice boards. All drivers and conductors who have successfully completed the training course will be issued identity cards," Gunawardene said.