Private bus operators

It has been observed that private bus operators always request a price hike whenever diesel prices have increased. Their request may be considered as reasonable if they attempt to render a commendable service to the Nation.

Issues that need attention are:

Are their buses not over crowded which increases the possibility of accidents?

Are tickets issued to the passengers, so that their income is recorded and taxes paid?

Are they aware of tax exemption (VAT and NBT) granted to them?

Are their buses    roadworthy?

It is understood that several drivers from CTB whose services had been terminated have joined private bus services.

Do the employees (driver and conductor) wear uniforms and badges to identify them?

Whether EPF, ETF and retiring gratuity are paid to the employees?  

Recently law were introduced so that they are paid EPF and ETF which should have been done 30 years ago.

Do they obtain a tax clearance certificate every year in order to renew their licence?

Once these matters are cleared, their demands may be considered reasonable. Though private bus services were introduced to have healthy competition with CTB, it has only resulted in their domination.

S.R. Balachandran, Colombo 6