Mobile service to address bus owners' issues

The National Transport Commission launched a mobile service programme to meet private bus owners at district level to provide solutions and consultancy services to their problems.

Problems relating to bus crews, bus stands, undue pressure exerted by time keepers, operational issues and unsystematic regulations would be taken up and resolved during the mobile service programmes, said the National Transport Commission in a statement yesterday. The first in the series of the mobile service programmes will be held at the Samudi reception hall, Ratnapura to day.

A workshop themed Mahamage Anathuru-Walakamu Nirathuru, will be held at the same venue from 8.30 am to 4.30 am.

A batch of 350 drivers including bus, three wheeler, school van drivers as well as bus owners and drivers attached to state institutions will attend the workshop. Subjects discussed will include, importance of observing road rules, driver discipline and responsibility, mechanical knowledge, fuel saving, desisting of driving vehicles under the influence of drugs, accident prevention, bus owner responsibilities, and positive attitudes and road safety.

A certificate would also be issued to drivers completing the workshop.

The concluding ceremony will be held under the patronage of Private Transport Services Minister C B Ratnayake.

Ministers W D J Seneviratne and Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekare, Parliamentarian Janaka Wakkumbura, Ratnapura Mayor Kapil Abeyratne, NTC chairman Roshan Gunawardana and other officials will also be present.