The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that all buses operating on long-distance routes will be required to undergo a monthly quality inspection, with the inspection certificate to be kept inside the vehicle for verification purposes.
NTC Chairman P. A. Chandrapala made the announcement during the launch of a pilot project to assess the quality of buses traveling more than 100 kilometers, held this morning at the Bastion Mawatha Passenger Bus Terminal.
He said the decision was prompted by increasing public concern over bus accidents, many of which have been linked to poor vehicle maintenance and performance. Although buses currently undergo annual inspections, authorities have identified the need for more frequent checks to ensure passenger safety.
According to Chandrapala, a special committee of the Transport Ministry has finalized the key elements to be examined during inspections, which will now be conducted monthly by certified professionals. Bus owners must keep the inspection certificate inside the vehicle, and passengers have the right to request to view it.
“The pilot project launched today will become a mandatory legal requirement in the future,” Chandrapala stated, adding that the new system aims to enhance safety standards and reduce road accidents across the country.
