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Public transport sector | President notes need for development

20 Aug 2020

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has advised the relevant authorities to initiate the upliftment of public transportation by creating a conducive environment for passengers to travel with mental satisfaction as the first step, the President’s Media Divison (PMD) stated. “A small step will lead to a big change. Start cleaning buses and provide seating facilities to passengers from tomorrow itself,” the President has directed. Pointing out that the small step taken to stop using posters had enabled all cities in the country to be kept clean, President Rajapaksa noted that development in any sector can begin with a small initiative. He made these remarks during a meeting to discuss the future activities of the Ministry of Transport and the State Ministry of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services, Carriages, and Automotive Industries held at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (18). The President has reiterated the necessity of implementing the “park and drive” system in order to minimise traffic congestion. Although the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) provides bus transportation as a service, it should be transformed into a profit-making entity, he highlighted, adding that both public and private transport services should also pay attention to the bus service in rural areas. “Start implementing the combined transport timetable of trains and buses without a delay. It is important to identify areas that need swift solutions to develop the transport sector. Long and short-term plans should be formulated for the next five years to develop the sector. It is imperative to review if the targets have been achieved,” he observed. Furthermore, it was also decided to repair railway carriages to provide a better service. Minister of Transport Gamini Lokuge said that Colombo Fort and four other railway stations will be modernised as a pilot project. Lokuge said that by increasing the number of trains, more people will be able to travel via the Kelani Valley railway line. Meanwhile, State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services, Carriages, and Automotive Industries Dilum Amunugama pointed out the importance of exploring the potential benefits that can be gained by opening up SLTB’s training services and maintenance facilities to the private sector. It was decided to introduce a prepaid card system expeditiously for both public and private sectors for an efficient passenger transport service. Furthermore, steps that should be taken to make the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) a curruption and irregularities-free institution were also discussed in detail. President Rajapaksa then drew attention to the possibility of allowing ordinary buses in good condition to operate on the expressway so that more passengers can travel paying low bus fares. Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Treasury and Ministry of Finance S.R. Attygalle, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport N.B. Monty Ranatunga, heads of the institutions falling under the purview of the Ministry and State Ministry of Transport, as well as representatives of private bus associations were present at the discussion.


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