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Distance rules flouted in first flurry of bus services
Public transport in regional areas where the curfew was lifted struggled to cope with anti-coronavirus safety measures as most private bus operators stayed away, saying social distancing guidelines cost too much money.
Police, public health inspectors, drivers and conductors worked hard to limit the number of passengers and ensure passengers were wearing masks.
Passengers were seen ignoring the guidelines in some areas.
They claimed the lack of buses made them reluctant to follow rules because they could not be sure of getting another bus if they refrained from boarding one with the regulated complement of passengers.
Transport Minister Mahinda Amaraweera conceded it was difficult task for state buses alone to provide required transport while the private buses kept off the roads.
Only passengers who wear face masks and abide by safety guidelines were being allowed aboard state buses, Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka said.
He said the police and army were deployed at checkpoints, SLTB depots and bus stands to stop people from overcrowding buses.
He said even though passengers were not keeping a safe distance from each other on the first day of the resumption of services the presence of the police and army soon brought about compliance.
Mr. Ranawaka said office transport had been made a priority and more buses had been deployed during working hours.
To keep the virus from spreading the SLTB was keeping bus transport within district borders.
“District secretaries and health authorities have advised us not to provide long-distance transportation across districts as the virus could spread to more people,” he said.
Mr. Ranawaka said there were enough buses to carry half the workforce; facilities were adequate as only 50 per cent of state and private offices were operating.
Private bus operators say they cannot sustain business if only allowed to have their buses half-full.
The President of the Private Bus Owners Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, said operators would not earn enough even to cover fuel expenditure.
“The private bus owners have to pay conductors and drivers, maintain buses and fuel buses. The expenses of state buses are paid by government. Therefore, we are requesting small subsidy on fuel prices,” he said, adding that it would be unfair to the public to raise ticket prices.
Mr. Wijeratne complained the government had not responded to requests from private operators or agreed to meet them.
“We too want to provide our services to the people therefore await the government’s response,” he said.
Trains have also begun running, with 22 passenger trains on regional routes.
General Manager Railways Dilantha Fernando said a token would be issued along with a ticket for government and private sector employees working on essential services.
Lists of information of employees on essential services have been provided by heads of departments, and these will be provided with transport.
“We are running 22 office trains in outstation areas, in between the Mahawa, Polgahawela, Kandy, Matara, and Nawala areas,” he said.
Plans are underway to restart trains between Colombo and the suburbs.
“If the government makes a decision to lift curfew in Colombo and instruct us to operate trains we would follow health procedures and go ahead,” Mr. Fernando said.