Govt. concessions for inter-province bus transport

Wednesday, 12 May 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Strap: 50% reduction of annual tender deposits and expressway temporary permit charges

Cabinet has approved reducing annual tender deposits and expressway temporary permit charges by 50% to support inter-province bus transportation, a top official said yesterday.

Cabinet co-spokesman Minister Udaya Gammanpila told the weekly Cabinet briefing that approval had been given to provide concessions given the challenges posed by the third wave of the pandemic. The Government on Monday announced travel restrictions between provinces but said essential services would be allowed movement.

“The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal tabled by the Minister of Transport to charge only 50% of annual tender deposits and 50% of expressway temporary permit changes from bus owners from 1 April 2021 to 31 September 2021,” he said.

The support was approved given that bus operators were facing revenue shortages due to social distancing guidelines and fewer travellers.