Buses carry passengers above seating capacity to face indefinite route permit suspension: Dilum

Decisions have been made to indefinitely suspend the route permits of the buses which are found carrying passengers over and above the seating capacity, which is contrary to the quarantine regulations, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunigama said.

He said the Police and the Provincial Passenger Transport Authorities have been informed about this and authorised to take stringent action against the violators and ensure the bus operators carry passengers to seating capacity.

"As the ministry, we allowed a reasonable bus fare hike to cover the losses. We did not observe the rules during the period where the COVID situation was under control, but the current situation has turned worse and all buses should follow the instructions of the Ministry," the State Minister said.

The Ministry will strictly implement the laws from today.

No complaints have been received as yet from the railway department. However, the times table of the trains are amended for the convenience of the commuters. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)