Strict action against errant private bus operators

Western Province Minister of Transport, Co-operative Development and Sports Lalith Wanigaratne stressed the need to exercise strict supervision over the private bus service which had been subject to severe criticism of the public.

Private bus operators who violate regulations applicable to the road passenger transport service and harass passengers would be liable to deterrent punishments

Addressing a ceremony held at the Ranmagapaya in Battaramulla, where Chief Minister Isura Devapriya was the chief guest, he said the private bus service should be streamlined to provide a satisfactory service.

At this event, motorcycles were issued to field officers in the Western Province Transport Authority and several employees received their long overdue promotions.

Minister Wanigaratne said private bus operators who violate regulations applicable to the road passenger transport service and harass passengers, would be liable to deterrent punishments, and requested the field officers to exercise strict supervision and initiate action against the offenders.

“The Road Passenger Transport Authority which had been running at a loss and was not in a position even to pay salaries in the past due to mismanagement and irregularities, is today a profit-making institution capable of implementing development projects to improve road passenger transport services in the Province. The authority that earned huge profits for the first time, has purchased treasury bills for Rs. 470 million,” he said.