Drive bus drivers to attend training school

I fully endorse the views expressed by W. Meadows of Dehiwala about our SLTB drivers (The Sunday Times, September 28).

Although I do not travel long distances by bus, I have had similar experiences travelling on Route 176, which operates from the Dehiwala railway station. The drivers go pell-mell, ignoring passengers who ring the bell to indicate they want to get off the bus. On many occasions I have been over-carried, and have passed several bus halts before I can get off. Perhaps the driver does not hear the bell, either because the bell does not work or the bus is over-crowded. It may be that the drivers are rushing to keep to a time schedule, but they should know that reckless driving can result in serious accidents.

Mr. Meadows has an excellent suggestion. There should be mandatory training of SLTB bus drivers, even those possessing a driver’s licence, at a dedicated Driver Training School. Drivers who do not carry such a licence should not be allowed behind the wheel of a bus. Inspectors in civvies should monitor the bus drivers.