Policy to enhance efficiency of private transport services

Ishara Mudugamuwa

The Private Transport Ministry has taken measures to formulate a national transport policy to enhance the efficiency, quality of private transport services, said Private Transport Minister C.B. Ratnayake.

The minister was addressing the media at the National Transport Commission (NTC) yesterday.

“According to the National Transport Act, the NTC has to work within a limited framework. So through the national policy, the Commission will be able to work beyond the provisions of the Act. The Cabinet paper on the policy will be submitted for Cabinet approval within a few days.“ said the minister.

The minister said, reckless driving results in the loss of a large number of lives annually. ‘Parents send their children to school with lots of hope about the future. Some careless drivers destroy all these dreams.

‘So the ministry has discussed with the Treasury to import about 500 buses with special features, such as, colour and vehicle model to make it easier recognition.

“In some countries, they have introduced special rules for school transport services. As there are special rules on ambulances priority has also been given to school transport services. “ he said.

The ministry has also introduced GPS technology and cameras for private buses. About 250 buses have already been equipped with the technology and plans are afoot to introduce GPS technology for all private buses by year’s end.

Minister Ratnayake requested the public to make their complaints on the private transport system to the Hotline Number 1955.

Private Transport Ministry Secretary V. Samaraweera, NTC chairman R.Gunawardane and NTC officials participated in the talks.