Development in public transport must be passed on to commuters: LPBOA

With the development of the public transport sector, the benefits must be passed to the commuters, Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) Gemunu Wijerathne said.

“The President must take immediate action for the development of the transport sector in the country,” he said.

"The development steps should be taken soon after the New Year's season.

"We hope to import 50 luxury low-floor buses from China. We cannot import electric buses as there are many issues," he said.

Low-floor buses usually include an area without seating (or seating that folds up) next to at least one of the doors, where wheelchairs, walkers, strollers/prams, and where allowed even bicycles, can be parked.

“We also hope to implement a card system, which would enable passengers to obtain tickets for Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses instead of using money,” he said.

Wijerathne said the President should solve the issues in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, while bringing effective acts, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Anti-Terrorism Act. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)