SLTB bus fleet to be upgraded: Transport Minister

The bus fleet of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) would comprise only with luxury buses hereafter and necessary legislation to the SLTB will be introduced in this regard shortly, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said yesterday. “We are in the process of identifying the specifications of the luxury buses expected to be imported or manufactured locally. We will publish those specifications shortly. Laws are also to be brought to the SLTB Act to prevent the SLTB purchasing or running buses made outside those specifications,” Minister Ranatunga added. After the SLTB fully adapted to the new system,it will be introduced to the private buses.the SLTB contributes 40% to the public transport system.a majority of SLTB buses are less than 2 years old.about 500 new buses are added annually to the SLTB fleet.another 500 buses will be added to the fleet in August. The vehicle improved or refurbished under the new specifications would get permission to transport schoolchildren. Addressing a progress review meeting of the SLTB at the Transport Ministry last afternoon, Minister Ranatunga noted that he expected not only to provide a comfortable journey for commuters under this project, it will also serve to protect environment, minimize accidents, minimize waste and corruptions and waste of SLTB funds by importing spare parts etc. Legislation will also be brought into the statute book to punish those who run, import or manufacture buses ignoring the specifications set out by the SLTB, Minister Ranatunga noted.