Buses without route permits: Fine increased to Rs. 200,000

4 April 2017 09:11 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Parliament today gave approval to the National Transport Commission (Amendment) Bill which proposed to increase the fine on inter-provincial buses plying without valid route permits from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 200,000.

Transport Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva told parliament that several complaints had been received by the National Transport Commission (NTC) from passengers and bus associations that some inter-provincial buses were plying without valid route permits specially those coming to the South from the North.

He said this practice was an injustice to the bus operators who were operating by respecting the rules and regulations and added that it also posed a threat to the security of the passengers.

The Minister said the new Bill to amend the fines were brought in following a thorough discussion with the relevant parties and that it had been approved by the Attorney General’s Department as well.

He said they expected the assistance from the police to apprehend the bus operators who violated the law.

The Minister revealed that the NTC had issued 3219 route permits so far which include 2054 normal route permits, 454 semi-luxury permits, 603 luxury permits and 94 super luxury permits.

He said there was a surplus in buses in certain routes after the decision taken to issue them through a tender procedure.

The Minister said the increase in the fines would help to reduce the incidents of illegal activities involving route permits. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 13

Aku Tuesday, 04 April 2017 09:51 PM

Brilliant.... Most of these bus owners are very politically connected... Many owned by Police officers too... Beats me how they got buses costing millions on their salaries...

nimal Wednesday, 05 April 2017 12:57 AM

reckless driving n drunk driving 25000.00 not made law yet...scared. of drivers via DM Android App

RuwanL Wednesday, 05 April 2017 07:42 AM

The next question is who is going to catch them as most buses are owned by politically connect or police officers?

Dee Wednesday, 05 April 2017 07:51 AM

Another protest by 'permit less bus owners association' will make the law null and void.

Kaboos Wednesday, 05 April 2017 08:31 AM

will these fellows call for a strike.

ANTON Wednesday, 05 April 2017 08:33 AM

WE ARE GOING TO FINE YOU FOR NOT HAVING ENOUGH ROADS TO TRAVEL COMFORTABLY ..... MOST PROBABLY AT THE NEXT ELECTION.

SL Wednesday, 05 April 2017 08:36 AM

Introduce battery powered buses for short distance and hybrid buses for long distance to reduce air pollution.If you reduce the taxes for buses and heavy vehicles people can buy quality European or Japanese buses instead of Indian smoke engines

Anthony Wednesday, 05 April 2017 09:42 AM

One Hon Minister who is truly working for the betterment of the country at this moment, forget the past and work together.

Ranka Wednesday, 05 April 2017 09:46 AM

minister is in deep sleep on the wheel while making decisions

Selvyn Wednesday, 05 April 2017 10:31 AM

This is what we need from the govt. Its both sticking to regulations and revenue via DM Android App

x Wednesday, 05 April 2017 11:33 AM

c

yahiya Wednesday, 05 April 2017 11:37 AM

Most of conductors in colombo road are drug addicted. Implement smart card (touch) for all mode of passenger transport. Increase atleat two trains in peak hours from Homagama, Panadura ,

Dee Wednesday, 05 April 2017 12:40 PM

Not having enough roads or for allowing too many vehicles without charging a congestion fee?

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Buses without route permits: Fine increased to Rs. 200,000

Comments - 13

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