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Transport, Logistics Society presents fuel cost reduction plan

08 Jun 2022

  • Suggestions include promoting public transport, double school bus services, and bus priority lanes
The Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics (SLSTL), which represents specialist consultants in the transport and logistics sectors, presented a 20-point professional plan to reduce fuel import costs, to the Government for implementation in the short term. The SLSTL suggested implementing an immediate national programme that appeals to all citizens to consciously contribute towards reducing fuel consumption, and to declare a policy of accelerated public transport enhancement.  As the second suggestion, the 20-point plan recommended that the Government prioritise the import of diesel over petrol, and improve the logistics of distribution and use of smart technology, which will prevent queues and manage limited fuel issues. The third is to embark on a national awareness programme on the revised transport policy approach that prioritises public transport, cycling, and walking, especially with the support of media campaigns. In order to cater to public transport enhancement in attracting private vehicle users, it is suggested to immediately double the Sisu Seriya school bus services, including air-conditioned services, by the National Transport Commission (NTC), with the NTC and SLTB ensuring that the first and last bus mandatorily operates on all routes under the Sisu Saeriya programme. The fourth is to implement the Sahasara bus reform model, connecting buses to a passenger app and bus management system already developed by the University of Moratuwa, providing the location of buses and trains to passengers through mobile phones, and integrating other services countrywide.    The Ministry also should re-implement the bus priority lane system adding low-floor buses, card-based payments, and improved customer service, while train services, including long-distance services, should be increased and measures taken to improve train frequency, the 20 point-plan suggested. The plan encouraged the private sector to develop digitally based micro-mobility, ridesharing, carpooling, and park-and-ride facilities at bus terminals and railway stations, including for bicycles and other alternate transport solutions appraised for economic viability, that are procured through open bids. When it comes to reducing the use of cars (as well as all four-wheeled passenger vehicles), it is suggested that the Ministry of Public Administration temporarily replace private vehicles assigned to Government officers including the military with a transport allowance, with all ministries introducing measures to reduce overall fuel use by 50%. The example set by the Government will naturally motivate the people. In addition, it was recommended to encourage the private and public sectors to target a 50% reduction in travel, while requesting experts to develop household trip planning software and promote good practices in fuel savings. The plans said to impose a three-month restriction on the use of private cars on specific days of the week by the last digit of the registration number of cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans, which consume 51% of the fuel used for passenger transport   Thus, it said to impose restrictions on cars, vans, and SUVs carrying less than three passengers entering areas that experience regular traffic congestion, while also requesting all institutions to arrange for carpooling, office transport services, and other alternative fuel-efficient transport. In encouraging cycling and walking, it was suggested to assign 22 September as the International Car-Free Day. Encouraging pedestrians and cyclists could be achieved by simultaneously improving sidewalks and providing cycle lanes on existing roads, promoting cycle rentals, docks, and parks.    In making travel more productive, the SLSTL suggested that the Ministry of Public Administration should implement compressed work weeks (three to four days) to reduce physical travel to work and even to schools that attract heavy traffic.   In order to improve logistics and freight movements, it said that in the face of forecasted food shortages, encourage digital technology in transforming the food supply chain to reduce waste.  Further, it said the interim Budget should make an allocation of Rs. 30 billion to develop public and alternative transport and to stop spending on expressways, other than the ongoing Central Expressway up to Mirigama. Further suggestions included the imposition of a 2% surcharge on petrol or a substantial increase in revenue licensing fees as a dedicated levy for developing the public transportation and above measures and revision of the transport sector pricing mechanism; and all transport stakeholders to collaborate in data sharing and service delivery to monitor key performance indicators and to use them for future directions.    Accordingly, the proposed plan is expected to reduce oil imports for transport, which costs the Government $ 4 billion per annum, for approximately two shiploads weekly, the SLSTP claimed. The organisation’s target is to reduce this figure by $ 500 million to $ 1 billion, which it stated will depend solely on the Government’s willingness to implement the plan and the leadership it will provide in the implementation process.   “The foreign exchange shortage in Sri Lanka currently being faced has made the import of many essentials difficult. Fuel for transport at current prices costs more than all other consumer imports including food, milk, medicine, household goods, LPG cylinders, etc. The Government has not presented the country with a plan on how to deal with this crisis, where the reduction of fuel imports is necessary,” it noted.  The SLSTL also appreciated the interest shown by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Media at a workshop organised by the Ministry on 4 June where the fuel reduction plan was shared with the public, for awareness and support.  “If the Government and the public are invested in overcoming the current crisis, together we can make a significant saving to the country which will benefit everyone,” it noted.


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