Shortage of bus crew; operating buses becoming tougher: Gemunu

5 January 2022 06:36 pm - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) today lamented that they are unable to assign buses on the road due to a lack of crew members and also the operational failure of most Ticket Vending Machines (TVM).

LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne told the Daily Mirror that most of their TVMs have become dysfunctional due to lack of batteries and not updating the system with the revised fares.

Therefore, he asked the people to bring the exact bus fare.

"Most of our bus drivers and conductors have left the industry and chose other livelihoods to earn their living during the pandemic period, and many bus owners are faced with the uphill task of repairing their buses due to the dearth of spares and high cost of repairs," he said.

The Western Provincial Authority is contemplating to penalize the private bus owners for not operating the buses during the pandemic period, he said.

The current bus fares will be increased from Rs. 3 to Rs. 194 under the 350- section category. The minimum bus fare, which was Rs. 14 earlier, has been increased to Rs.17. The maximum bus fare, which was Rs. 1,109, has been increased to Rs. 1,303 after the fare hike. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Comments - 7

Sam Silva Wednesday, 05 January 2022 11:58 PM

Please employ 225 who are burden to the country

Pronto Thursday, 06 January 2022 09:29 AM

In that case the bus owners will be compelled to sell their buses soon

Seqi Thursday, 06 January 2022 09:24 AM

Need tamper proof ticketing machines. Most owner drivers with relies as conductors are OK as they try to be business like and have a feeling for maintenance and are less into drugs and drink.

Kabaragoya Thursday, 06 January 2022 09:52 AM

Why cry foul now? Yall are part of the Mafia holding the passengers # ransom as yall wish

Gunadasa Thursday, 06 January 2022 10:27 AM

Who will operate new 500 Indian buses

Waco Thursday, 06 January 2022 11:53 AM

Use the parliamentarians to fill the vacant positions.

nina Thursday, 06 January 2022 10:49 PM

It's time to start smart buses, everyone swipe the card to get on the bus, stop at right the station, all the bus fix GPS, no conductors are required, please learn from China

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Shortage of bus crew; operating buses becoming tougher: Gemunu

Comments - 7

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