Hell hath no equal to a private-bus ride
Reckless driving, callous disregard for road rules, failing to follow directives of the National or Provincial Transport authorities and lack of courtesy towards passengers are common complaints against private bus drivers.
Most drivers engage in competing against other drivers, while others detour from the authorised routes, to gain more passengers or, to be the first to reach their destination, for the turnaround.
Sunday Times journalists observed how buses stop in the middle of the road and force passengers to disembark in the path of oncoming vehicles, while conductors constantly urge commuters to disembark hurriedly, to leave quickly.
A regular commuter, G.M. Wijeratne feels that private buses are operating as an uncontrolled service, as commuters are ill-treated from the moment they board a bus.
He said bus crews are always in a race to their final destination, therefore, buses are rarely at a complete stop, while commuters are boarding/alighting.
Another commuter Supun Premalal said that, even though the buses are regular and are available, the conductors' treatment of passengers is unacceptable.
He said conductors demand change money for the fare, and are rude and hostile towards those who don't oblige.
Meanwhile, another passenger D.H.S.N. Ranathissa who commutes daily from Hikkaduwa to Colombo, said buses keep racing while neglecting passenger safety.
He explained that standing commuters are constantly thrown around and against one another, when buses start racing.
National Transport Commission Directer General Dr D.M.S. Dissanayake said bus drivers cannot deviate from the prescribed route and hence, disciplinary action will be taken against drivers who deviate.
“Disciplinary action can even mean cancellation of Route Permits,” he said
He added that the traffic police need to monitor and act against bus drivers who violate road rules.
He explained that bus crews are trained on passenger courtesy. If complaints are lodged against them, they will be summoned again for a workshop, at their expense.