Measures have been taken to deploy 5000 SLTB buses and operate 400 train turns following the health guidelines for the public transport service from April 20 (Monday) in parallel with the government's decision to resume suspended activities at several private and state sector institutions under several phases.
Passenger Transport Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the decision was taken to facilitate the employees to reach their working places.
The Minister had advised the relevant authorities to make sure that all public transport services to be operated strictly under the guidelines issued by health authorities and security forces.
He added that he has advised the officials to provide face masks for the staff at Sri Lanka Transport Board and Sri Lanka Railways as well as crew deployed on duty for the operations of buses and trains. Meanwhile, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has agreed to provide required sanitary equipment to the bus and train operators and other staff at state institutions.
Following the meeting attended by officials of the Railway Department, Ceylon Transport Board, National Transport Commission and the Department of Motor Vehicle Registration, several decisions were taken for public safety in public transport.
Among them are measuring the body temperature of rail passengers at each station and if any person has fever, cough, and cold, immediately follow the instructions of the health department regarding the person. It has been decided to provide passenger transport services only for essential services. In addition to that, Railway Ordinance will be strictly implemented. Accordingly, spitting in train compartments or on railway stations, trading in railway stations or compartments and begging are strictly prohibited. The law will be strictly enforced against violators of Railway Ordinance. It is mandatory for passengers traveling on trains and buses to wear facemasks as instructed by the Health and security authorities and keeping one meter distance between persons. All railway stations, rail compartments, and buses will be disinfected at least once in two days while only admitting passengers in essential services to buses or trains.
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