LNP - Sri Lanka’s transport sector to be modernized with new fleet

Sri Lanka’s public transport sector is to be modernised with the introduction of 1,000 new buses including low-floor and super luxury buses to the fleet of Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said. Currently, passenger buses are operated both by the private and state sectors. The private sector is responsible for the operation of 50 per cent of buses on the expressways and 60 per cent on normal routes. The Deputy Minister told Daily Mirror that though the state-run service is entitled to operate 40 per cent of buses on normal routes, the available fleet is insufficient to meet the target. “SLTB is required to have 7,400 buses. Yet, there are around 5,000 buses in operation,” he said. The Cabinet paper is expected to be presented soon seeking approval to import 1,000 buses, including 200 super-luxury buses after an open tender process. According to the Deputy Minister, low–floor buses are the most expensive with each costing Rs.68 million. “Low-floor buses, once imported, will operate on routes within city limits. Along with that, we will introduce park-and-ride systems. People can leave their private vehicles at the designated places and take the public transport system to travel to city centres,” he said. Asked about SLTB losing revenue due to malpractices, he said new buses will be introduced with cashless payment systems to overcome that problem. “Today, both private bus owners and SLTB lose money due to corruption and malpractices,” he said. Passengers find it convenient to board and de-board low–floor buses. Asked about passenger fares for low-floor buses, he said, “We will introduce a cost-reflective ticketing price. Probably, fares may be similar to the rates currently being charged for air-conditioned bus services.” Once Cabinet approval is secured, buses will be imported within 36 weeks.