The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) said today it had earned an income of about Rs. 450 million within a week starting from April 7 when the special bus service was launched to facilitate commuter travel during the New Year season.

 

SLTB Chief Operations Superintendent H.M. Chandrasiri told the Daily Mirror that it recorded an income of Rs. 82 million on April 12 which was the highest ever income earned within a day in the SLTB history. 

 

“During a normal day the SLTB earns only about Rs. 57 million. But during the week between April 7 and April 14, we have earned about Rs. 64 million a day. On April 12, the income was recorded as Rs. 82 million which is the highest ever income earned by the SLTB. There is a 15% increase in the income this year when compared to the previous year’s income during the corresponding period,” Mr. Chandrasiri said.

 

SLTB Vice Chairman L. A. Wimalaratne said 75% had used the expressways during the festive season after the president’s decision to reduce the fee charged from vehicles travelling on expressways.

 

Mr. Wimalaratne said the special bus service would be operated till April 21 for the convenience of people returning to Colombo from outstations.(Ajith Siriwardana)