9 June 2020 05:03 pm
The Transport Services Management Ministry yesterday said that it would introduce a 'Prepaid Travel Card' for Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private buses by the end of July.
The decision has been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus among the passengers when exchanging money in buses.
Transport Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had instructed the National Transport Commission officials to implement the new card system immediately.
He said the ministry expects to introduce the new card system for the trains as well.
The Minister said after introducing the new card system, a monthly allowance would be given to SLTB drivers and conductors to strengthen their economy.
"A discussion would be held with the National Transport Commission (NTC) Chairman to allocate a monthly allowance in addition to the salary of private bus drivers and conductors as well," the minister said.
The process of creating the Travel Card is at the final stage and the Chairman of National Transport Commission Shashi Welgama had been advised to implement the card system by the last week of July, the Minister added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)