1,000 buses to rural roads

Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena told Parliament yesterday that 1,000 buses will add to the public transport in rural areas to mark the 75th Independence Day celebrations this year. A plan is underway to recruit conductors and drivers to the existing buses and new buses, he noted.

The minister said this while replying MP Kins Nelson in Parliament.

The Minister also said that due to the shortage of drivers and conductors, 225 buses obtained through the Indian Line of Credit are not on roads and also 800 buses are not running due to the shortage of staff.

The minister said that approval will be obtained from the Cabinet Sub Committee to hire drivers and conductors on a contract basis for one year.