Dissanayake aims to increase usage of public transport upto 80 percent

Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (Oct 18) said he plans to increase the usage of public transport upto 80 percent within five years, if voted into power.

Speaking at the launch of his Transport Policy, the National People’s Power (NPP) candidate pointed out that only 52 percent of the people are using public transport, causing severe traffic congestion.

However, he stressed that public transport needs to be improved in order to draw more people.

“According to our policy, improving public transport is vital to uplift the lives of people and facilitate them to maintain their respect in society,” Dissanayake told supporters.

He lamented that around 90 percent of women who use public transport face sexual harassment.

The Presidential candidate observed that improving public transport will also play a role in reducing air pollution and the resultant adverse impacts on the environment.

He noted that individuals have been purchasing private vehicles, to avoid using public transport, despite not having the financial means to afford such vehicles.

“A person should purchase a vehicle only if he has the financial capacity to purchase and maintain a vehicle,” he emphasised.

Dissanayake also pledged to introduce a special traffic lane for bicycles in Colombo, to promote its usage.

Another promise he highlighted was to introduce a mechanism to regulate private buses and ensure that they maintain certain standards while engaged in services.