3 February 2021 11:28 am
While rejecting the claims by private bus associations for not granting concessions for their service, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said action will be taken against the bus operators if they resort to strike without any tangible reason.
He told the Daily Mirror that the Ministry had granted all concessions and relief measures to continue their service.
"Bus fare was increased 20% to cover the losses and grace period extended to pay their lease instalments. Bus fare was increased with the instruction to transport passengers with seating capacity and concessions were provided to carry passengers subject to health procedures," he said.
With all the given facilities and concessions, several bus operators are often seen violating the rules by not adhering to COVID-19 regulations, he said.
"As a result of that, several bus route permits have been cancelled. Yesterday all private bus operator associations had staged a protest in Colombo claiming that they have not received any concessions or relief measures," the State Minister said.
"If any bus operator association is found planning to launch strike, the Ministry will then engage the buses that are transporting tourists, to operate as passenger transport carriers. Those bus operators will be advised to register with the nearest Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depot with immediate effect," he said.
He said several route permits have been cancelled for violating COVID-19 transport rules.
"The bus associations said that they were not given the relief. It is a blatant lie. We have provided relief to them. Bus fare was increased upon agreeing to transport passengers with seating capacity and not to allow standees. Concessions were provided to carry passengers subject to health procedures. With all the given facilities, they have failed to adhere to the rules," he said.
Moreover, he said the log records of the payments made to the National Transport Commission have been erased.
If any strike was launched, the responsibility of the passengers will be taken over by the Government, he said.
He added that more importantly, the passengers did not oppose to the recent bus fare hike. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)