Sri Lanka private bus owners warn of action unless good quality diesel is supplied
The Chairman of Sri Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Gemunu Wijerathna says the buses of his organization will quit from the smoke test if the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) fails to supply good quality diesel to the buses.
Wijerathna said that the diesel supplied by the state owned CPC is higher in sulfur content than what there should be according to regulations.
He said that under 1295/11 gazette notification issued on June 30, 2003, it is compulsory to supply good quality diesel.
He said the bus owners have the legal right to refrain from the smoke test for which they have to pay under this situation. However, passing smoke test is a must to get the revenue license.
Wijerathna pointed out that the bus engines get easily damaged due to high sulfur content in diesel.
Pre paid card system introduced for private bus commuters
In place of the old system of paying for individual journeys, the new pre paid card system was initiated in Colombo today. While these pre paid cards could be purchased for a mere Rs. 100.00, one could use it for travelling in private busses. Commuters will definitely benefit from this method as they could use up the money without having to forfeit balance money like before. When the balance on the card reduses it can be reloaded.
It is a unique juncture in the private bus transport service said the president of the Private Bus Owner’s Association Gemunu Wijeratne. He further stated that this new card system will be implemented island wide expeditiously.
Complaints regarding private busses accepted
The private bus operator’s association is gearing up to accept commuters complaints, comments and suggestions. These complaints or suggestions could be forwarded on www.lankaprivatebus.com.
Here one could comment on the condition of private busses, passenger comfort and new suggestions could be posted on this site. This measure was taken in order to enhance the cordial relations between the private bus operators and passengers and for the efficient operation of private busses said its president Gemunu Wijeratne.
An appeal to halt the issue of haphazard rout permits
The Private Bus operator’s Association urged the authorities to halt the issuing of route permits haphazardly. The transport Authority should take on this responsibility said Gemunu Wijeratne addressing a press briefing recently.
He further stated that his organization has proof that currently there are such busses deployed on certain routes without proper organization. He said that on the advice of their lawyers the Private Bus Owner;s Association will resort to legal measures it required.