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CCTV inside buses to ensure passenger safety
View(s):By Aanya Wipulasena
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has taken steps to instal CCTV cameras inside private buses, following numerous complaints the commission received from commuters.
The complaints related to violence against women, sexual harassment, insensitive and indifferent treatment meted to the differently-abled or injured, pregnant women and the clergy, particularly non-Buddhist clergy not getting seats reserved for them and the constant danger of having one’s pocket picked.
“Together with the Private Transport Services Minister C.B. Ratnayake, we have decided to install these cameras inside,” NTC Chairman Roshan Gunawardane said.
He explained that through GPS technology, the commission would monitor the buses round the clock. In the event of any complaint against a bus crew, NTC officials would act immediately by contacting the relevant bus via an auto answer phone installed along with the camera.
According to Mr. Gunawardane, installing a camera inside a bus will cost approximately Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000 where the NTC will bear two-thirds of the cost, while the bus owner pays the rest. However, Private Bus Owner’s Association president Gemunu Wijeratne said this step was not the solution to the important issues that have arisen within the bus transportation in the island.
“There are issues that need immediate solutions by the NTC such as implementing a better timetable. Even though the idea of installing cameras in buses to reduce violence in them is a good idea, I believe that it’ll be ineffective in our country,” he said.
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