Major public transport reforms announced

The meeting, attended by the heads of the National Transport Commission (NTC), the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), and Road Passenger Transport Authorities (RPTAs) from all nine provinces, focused on enhancing passenger safety, service efficiency, and digital integration in the sector.

Among the key decisions taken were:

• Early implementation of an integrated timetable on the Puttalam route.

• Launch of a pilot project on the 138 route, with all buses operating under a single association and a profit-sharing model.

• Mandatory installation of GPS and CCTV systems in buses.

• Formalizing online ticket booking in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Economy.

• Regular drug and alcohol testing of bus drivers.

• Mandating the use of ticket machines within a set timeframe.

• Drafting specifications for standard passenger transport buses.

• Requiring seat belts for bus drivers.

• Identifying routes for deployment of new buses.

• Public display of WhatsApp complaint numbers for NTC, SLTB, and provincial transport authorities on all buses.

Minister Ratnayake emphasized the urgency of these reforms, urging officials to promptly initiate preparatory work and ensure consistent monitoring of their implementation.