(UTV | COLOMBO) – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa emphasizes the need to maintain public transport services in an efficient and orderly manner to attract passengers.
President Rajapaksa said that with the spike in fuel prices, there is a high demand for public transport and authorities must provide an efficient service to the people.
These views were expressed during a discussion held at the President’s Palace in Colombo yesterday on the progress review of the Ministry of Transport and Highways.
The President’s Media Division said the need for a systematic program to provide uninterrupted fuel supply to trains and buses was discussed at length.
The PMD noted that a decision was also taken to supply fuel to private buses at night through filling stations owned by the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
Meanwhile, those attended the meeting had decided to expand the Park & Ride system and to reduce parking charges.
The President has also instructed to look into the possibility of providing parking facilities near selected railway stations.
President Rajapaksa said the Park & Ride programme will not be a success, if people are not given a quality service.
The Head of State said if citizens are not given the same comforts as travelling in a private vehicle, then such individuals who can afford it will continue to ignore public transport services.
Meanwhile, a decision has been taken to use the existing integrated timetable system for the Sri Lanka Transport Board and private buses for short journeys as well.
The Minister of Transport has also agreed to present a Cabinet paper promptly to resolve the salary issue of SLTB employees.
Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena said they have decided to commence the Park & Drive programme from the 15th of June in Moratuwa, Makumbura and Kadawatha.
The Minister said additionally students are now facing difficulties in commuting to schools in private vans due to the high cost. He said some van fares have increased to Rs.10,000 from Rs,5,000.
The Transport Minister assured an increase in Sisu Seriya buses based on the demand.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena said bus fares are much cheaper than the rates charged by van operators even before the fuel price revision.
The Transport Minister added that they are hoping to add a few more train journeys and buses for the convenience of people commuting for work.
Separately, it has been agreed to lease the reserved lands owned by the Railway Department for the cultivation of food crops for a period of one year.
Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena stated that the Divisional Secretariats are planning to provide the relevant lands to the farmers’ societies under a nominal lease amount.