Awareness and training programmes for drivers:

Ministry moots to select best private bus driver

Irangika Range

The Private Transport Services Ministry plans to select the best private bus driver of the year and to felicitate him with the aim of improving the country's private bus transport service.

Private Transport Services Minister C B Ratnayake made this proposal participating at a meeting to discuss private bus owners' problems.

The minister said parallel to this, the best driver of each province will also be selected and their services appreciated at provincial level.

Minister Ratnayake said steps will be taken to implement several programmes to provide a quality bus service to passengers.

He said awareness and training programmes will be held for drivers and conductors with the assistance of the National Transport Commission, Motor Traffic Department and the Traffic Police to safeguard the private bus industry and create disciplined drivers.

Motor Traffic Department Commissioner General S H Harishchandra said it has been found that 15 percent of road accidents were caused due to fatigue among drivers.

He said drivers should be given a half an hour break after driving for four and half hours and a 10 hour break after working for a day.