The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association says if the Ministry of Transport takes steps to make COVID vaccination cards mandatory for public transport, it is prepared to implement the relevant directives.
However, speaking to NewsRadio President of the Association Gemunu Wijeratne said concerns have arisen over the capacity of passengers not being regulated in a stringent manner, amidst the prevailing pandemic situation.
He said it is not practical to only make vaccination cards mandatory for public transport, without other regulatory activities.
Gemunu Wijeratne noted the regulations for buses are weak and called on the government to introduce the necessary regulations including a timetable system, to ensure buses are not over crowded.
He added discussions were held in this regard for nearly two years adding however they did not receive a favourable solution.
Wijeratne noted it is for the safety of the private bus industry as well as passengers, as they are concerned over controlling the spread of COVID-19 only through vaccination.
State Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama yesterday announced that the Transport Ministry is prepared to make vaccination cards mandatory for public transport services if health authorities inform them to do so.
Wijeratne said the directive to make vaccination cards mandatory for public transport will come in force after the booster dose is administered, adding through the Gazette time has been granted till April for this purpose.
