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Luxury buses to be added to private bus fleet

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6 October 2011 10:52 am - 17     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Two luxury bus services will be launched in two weeks to upgrade the country’s transport technology and to reduce traffic congestion in the Colombo city the Private Bus Owners Association (PBOA) said today.
 
PBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijeyratne said the a large number of buses currently running in the country including those run by the Sri Lanka Transport Board have been running for over 30 years and should be replaced. “The new luxury bus service will also be catered to those who use private transport and will help reduce traffic congestion," Wijeyratne said.
 
The two luxury ‘Ultra Low Floor’ Lankan Ashok Leyland buses with 36 seats will ply the Moratuwa-Pettah and the Kottawa-Pettah routes and another 100 of the same luxury buses will be added next year, he said. The fare of the luxury bus services will be three times the ordinary bus fare.
 
The buses which are worth Rs.15 million each are equipped with automatic gear, air suspension, facilities to adjust the height of the bus and is useful for the elderly and disabled people, Lanka Ashok Leyland Company CEO Umesh Gautam said.
 
“Sri Lanka is in the move now and Colombo city is developing. We want to improve the technology in the country which is why we are introducing these buses for the first time,” Gautam said.
 
The buses will be operated by the private bus owners although maintenance costs will be paid for by the Lankan Ashok Leyland Company itself. He said the buses are expected to earn a profit of at least Rs.15,000 and will provide additional buses based on their performance. This will be a joint venture between the private bus owners and the Lankan Ashok Leyland Company.(Olindhi Jayasundera)

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  Comments - 17

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  • OnLooker Thursday, 06 October 2011 01:57 PM

    This is a very good move. I dont think paying three times would be a problem as who ever going to work by car may be paying 10 times of the normal bus fare

    sarath Thursday, 05 January 2012 01:53 PM

    when Buying luxury buses their durability performance and facilities should be strongly analysed M any well known buses transmission set is ZF made as they have proved their long service Many buses plying in european roads and city serviice buses in London are fitted with ZF gear boxes,

    sarath Thursday, 05 January 2012 01:37 PM

    the luxury bus ever impotred to our island is mercedes benz Uoll werzburg Germany built bus imported in 1957.

    FadeToBlack Friday, 07 October 2011 09:19 AM

    Isn't it enough that the govt is providing free education and healthcare?

    Lankan in Thailand Friday, 07 October 2011 05:33 AM

    WHY DONT THE GOVERMENT GIVE SOME PERKS FOR THE POOR MASSES -LIKE FREE BUS IN THAILAND

    bb Friday, 07 October 2011 04:08 AM

    Kandy -Colombo route should have such buses, People need comfort when they travel long distance.

    Simple Sydney Thursday, 06 October 2011 11:07 PM

    Along with this why not have a luxury compartment at higher rates on the trains on the coastline routes. A/c carriage, tea/coffee facilites, courteous waiters/watresses.

    Meena Thursday, 06 October 2011 03:07 PM

    You have a great sense Saibu. Me too, is a hater of Ashok Leyland brand. They have a ZERO quality standard when compared with Japanese & European makes. Get Rid Of Lanka Ashok Leyland for good.

    skv Thursday, 06 October 2011 02:28 PM

    very good move

    Aruna Thursday, 06 October 2011 11:11 AM

    Good move but I think price are bit to high. We can not even manage the normal price to goto work in the morning from Kottawa to petta. Gov should consider doing a pilot run first.

    Indike Thursday, 06 October 2011 12:19 PM

    Private bus owners always lick their lips seeing money. This time they've going to spoil the CTB Volvo intercity service. They will start, and then will reduce to the normal ruffian exploitation of money.

    Rosh Thursday, 06 October 2011 12:14 PM

    If its too costly, take the usual busses.

    CommonSensePrevails Thursday, 06 October 2011 12:10 PM

    The first step towards reducing congestion in the city is improving public transport. So, although there may be pessimists, we must applaud this effort.
    Hopefully it will be implemented well.

    Patta Pal Thursday, 06 October 2011 11:46 AM

    I am sure if the fare is three times, then there should be the best trained drivers and conductors to go with the better quality of satisfaction and comfort.

    This is a very good move to hopefully take at least 30 cars off the road, for every bus that is brought into service. I have no doubt it will catch up if it makes driving into Colombo more costly with surcharges on private vehicles entering Colombo city, an inevitable consequence of urban sprawl and increasing traffic.

    Chamila Thursday, 06 October 2011 11:29 AM

    Introducing new technology to passenger transport sector is essential. But customer care should also be improved. Today passengers are experiencing unpleasent behaviour of bus workers. This situation may be improved.

    Saibu Nana Thursday, 06 October 2011 11:28 AM

    he...he.....Ashok leyland luxury buses.....?????.i think ahsok leyland were experts in making lorries not buses,......why dont you think of getting buses from Mercedez, Volvo and so on ...still you all are behind this....ashok leyland ........hhehehe

    dref Thursday, 06 October 2011 11:25 AM

    Packed Luxury buses?? lol!


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