Bringing down fuel import costs by one billion USD

Bus lanes could help run an efficient public transport

The Sri Lanka Society of Transport & Logistics (SLSTL) which represents specialist consultants in the transport and logistics sectors made a presentation to the Minister of Transport on June 4, at a workshop organised by the Ministry in which it has put forward a 20-point program as the short term solution to the ongoing fuel crisis in the country.  

It said that its plan would help bring down fuel import costs by about one billion USD.  
In a media release SLSTL explained:  
“The foreign exchange shortage in Sri Lanka currently faced, has made the import of many essentials difficult. Fuel for transport at current prices costs more than all other consumer imports including food, milk, medicine, household goods, or LP gas.  

The Government has not presented the country with a plan on how to deal with this crisis, where the reduction of fuel imports is necessary. 
The Sri Lanka Society of Transport & Logistics (SLSTL) which represents specialist consultants in the transport and logistics sectors made a presentation to the Minister of Transport on June 4, at a workshop organised by the Ministry.  

The presentation was a 20-point professional plan, recommended by SLSTL to the Government for implementation in the short term. The proposed plan would reduce oil imports for transport which cost us $4 billion a year or approximately two shiploads per week. The target is to reduce this figure by $ 500 million to 1 billion, which will depend solely on the Government’s willingness to implement the plan and the leadership they will provide in the implementation process. 

While SLSTL appreciates the interest shown by the Minister of Transport, at the workshop, the fuel reduction plan is shared with the public, for awareness and support. If the Government and the public are interested in coming out of the current crisis, together we can make a significant saving to the country which will benefit everyone.  

"The presentation was a 20-point professional plan, recommended by SLSTL to the Government for implementation in the short term"

National Program

1. The immediate launch of a national program appealing to all citizens to consciously contribute towards reducing fuel consumption and declare a policy of accelerated public transport enhancement.  
2. For the Government to prioritize the import of diesel over petrol and improve the logistics of distribution. The use of smart technology will prevent queues and manage limited fuel issues.  
3. Embark on a national awareness program on the revised transport policy approach that prioritizes public transport, cycling, and walking and especially with the support of media campaigns.  

Public Transport Enhancement 

4. The National Transport Commission (NTC) should immediately double the school bus services (Sisu Saeriya) including air-conditioned services.  
5. The NTC and SLTB should ensure that the first and last bus mandatorily operates on all routes under the Nisi Saeriya program.  
6. The Ministry to implement the Sahasara bus reform model connecting buses to a passenger app and bus management system already developed by the University of Moratuwa, providing the location of buses and trains to passengers through mobile phones, and integrating other services countrywide.  
7. The Ministry should re-implement the bus priority lane system adding low floor buses, card-based payments, and improved customer service.  
8. Train services including long-distance services should be increased and measures are taken to improve train frequency.  
9. Encourage the private sector to develop digitally based micro-mobility, ridesharing, carpooling, park and ride at bus terminals and railway stations, including for bicycles, and other alternate transport solutions appraised for economic viability, that are procured through open bids  

Cut the cars 

10. Ministry of Public Administration to temporarily replace private vehicles assigned to government officials including the military with a transport allowance. All ministries to introduce measures to reduce overall fuel use by 50%. The example set by the government will naturally motivate the people.  
11. Encourage the private sector and public to target a 50% reduction in travel. Request experts to develop household trip planning software and promote good practices in fuel savings.  
12. To impose a three-month restriction on the use of private cars on specific days of the week by the last digit of the registration number of cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans which consume 51% of the fuel used for passenger transport  
13. Impose restrictions on cars, vans, and SUVs carrying less than three passengers entering areas that experience regular traffic congestion. Also, request all institutions to arrange for carpooling, office transport services, and other alternative fuel-efficient transport.  

"The target is to reduce this figure by $ 500 million to 1 billion, which will depend solely on the Government’s willingness to implement the plan and the leadership they will provide in the implementation process"

Encourage Cycling and Walking 

14. Assign the 22nd of September as the International Car-Free day. Encourage pedestrians and cyclists by simultaneously improving sidewalks and providing cycle lanes on existing roads, promoting cycle rentals, docks, and parks.  
15. Ministry of Public Administration should implement compressed work weeks (3-4 days) to reduce physical travel to work and even to schools that attract heavy traffic.  

Improving Logistics & Freight Movements

16. In the face of forecasted food shortages, encourage digital technology in transforming the food supply chain to reduce waste.

Other

17. The interim budget allocates Rs 30 billion to develop public and alternative transport and to stop spending on expressways, other than the ongoing Central Expressway up to Mirigama.  
18. Impose a 2% surcharge on petrol or a substantial increase in revenue licensing fees as a dedicated levy for developing the public transportation and the above measures.  
19. Revise the transport sector pricing mechanism.  
20. All transport stakeholders to collaborate in data sharing, and service delivery to monitor the key performance indicators and to use them for future directions.