News
Bus operators in dire straits due to lack of rest rooms at the Bastian Mawatha stand
View(s):Pix and text by Rekha Tharangani Fonseka
Long-distance bus drivers complained that they are unable to rest properly in between their journeys as there is insufficient space in the restrooms for drivers and conductors at the Bastian Mawatha bus stand.
Sarath Wijithakumara
According to the drivers, the bus stand, visited by some 1200 buses daily, only has two repurposed container-boxes functioning as a rest room.
The bus drivers and conductors pointed out that as they have insufficient resting space they are forced to rest in the buses during intervals between journeys and are unable to get proper rest.
The Inter-Province Private Bus Owners’ Association President Sarath Wijithakumara said that bus operators work under conditions where their basic human needs are neglected.
He said that the National Transport Commission is only interested in calling tenders and making money off buses and has not intervened to provide even the least of facilities to drivers and conductors.
Mr. Wijithakumara pointed out that lack of proper rest rooms for drivers puts their lives at risk as weary drivers could fall asleep or be unwell while driving, which could result in accidents.
He also explained that though there is a washroom within the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand, bus drivers and conductors seldom use it given the charge of 45 Rupees.
According to him, the washroom maintenance had been handed over to a private company for a higher tender, and drivers are unable to afford using it.
He added that drivers and conductors therefore have resorted to relieving themselves near trees and walls, resulting in unhygienic condition within the stand.
He called for a mechanism to allow bus drivers and conductors’ licences to be recognised so they can get concessionary charges for using the washrooms.
The bus stand is visited by some 1200 buses daily
National Transport Commission Chairman, Eng. P. A. Chandrapala, said that the government has understood that bus operators are facing many daily struggles.
He said that they would establish an eatery in a suitable place and see if there is space to provide food and lodgings for bus operators.
Mr. Chandrapala said that the government has given more attention to the bus service following the past accidents and has understood the importance of bus drivers getting sufficient rest in between their journeys.
The lack of proper rest rooms for drivers puts their lives at risk, they say
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