The traffic congestion created as a result of passenger transport buses picking up and dropping passengers haphazardly at various places in Kottawa has been reduced as all short and long-distance private and SLTB buses plying on High Level route (138) have to enter through the Makumbura Multimodal Centre (MMC), Kottawa from yesterday.
National Transport Commission Chairman Shashi Welgama said unnecessary traffic congestion was created in Kottawa city as passenger transport buses used to load and unload passengers at various places in Kottawa without stopping at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre, Kottawa.
He said that a number of complaints have been received on various occasions that passenger transport buses have been running by avoiding the Kottawa Multi-Modal Transport Centre. Road accidents have increased and a dangerous situation has arisen as a result of passenger transport buses picking up and dropping passengers at various places in Kottawa.
After lengthy discussions with the relevant parties including the Transport and Highways Ministry, the Traffic Police, and the National Transport Commission on the complaints received on various occasions, it has been decided to make it mandatory for all passenger transport buses to pass through the Makumbura Multi-Modal Transport Centre from March 1,” he said.
There are many unauthorized bus halts including bus halts near the Kottawa Bo-Tree and the heavy traffic congestion was created as passenger transport buses are used to load and unload passengers at these places.
According to Section 106-6 of the Motor Vehicles Act No. 40 of 1984, illegal parking of vehicles for picking up and dropping off passengers on the road in front of the Kottawa Multi-Modal Transport Centre on High Level Road will be strictly prohibited.
It has been stipulated that all the passenger transport buses travelling on that route must enter the Multi-Modal Transport Centre and pass through it. This law applies to all CTB and private buses. Private buses have also been informed about this law through the National Transport Commission and they have pledged to implement this. If there is anyone who does not comply with these rules, a formal investigation will be conducted and the relevant bus permit will be revoked.
Only long-distance buses have stopped at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre, Kottawa up to now. But passengers can now use the short distance buses to travel to their destinations.
He said the Multi-Modal Transport Centre, built using smart technology, provides integrated bus and train services to the public. It connects the High Level Road, Kelani Valley railway Line and the Southern Expressway.
The bus stand and the railway station are connected via an overhead bridge. Passengers commuting by highway buses can interchange to a railway line or city buses at the centre. They can obtain bus and train services using one ticket.
Motorists travelling on highways can park their vehicles at the centre and use public transportation to the city. Space has been provided to park vehicles safely.
The Centre has been built with the aim of reducing the number of vehicles entering Colombo, strengthening public transport including buses and trains, reducing road accidents, and ensuring passenger safety and environmental protection. Based on its success, about 90 percent of construction work of the Multi-Modal Transport Centre being built in Kadawatha has been completed.
We will rectify any shortcomings identified during the implementation of this project and action will be taken to further improve this programme.
Mobile inspection teams and the Traffic Police will also assist in taking legal action to identify the people who do not comply with this law.
SLTB Chairman S.M.D.L.K.D. Alwis said all SLTB buses plying on High Level Road went through the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre, Kottawa yesterday. It will take some time for this plan to totally fall into place as people will gradually get used to using the Multimodal Transport Centre for their short-distance travel.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of traffic Indika Hapugoda said that blocking the main road, and illegally picking up and dropping off passengers will be considered an offense from yesterday and therefore the bus drivers and conductors should take care to implement this law.
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