Slow buses, longer journeys: Time to rethink private bus operations
By Eng. Thushara Dissanayake Private buses play a dominant role in the public transport system, carrying nearly four out of every five bus passengers. Every day, people depend on private buses to travel to workplaces, educational institutions, and other organiations. While private buses contribute largely to the public transport sector, one persistent operational practice continues […]
The article highlights an operational practice in private bus services that significantly impacts the efficiency of Sri Lanka's public transport system. Private buses, which account for nearly half of all bus passengers, are often observed to travel slowly during the initial stages of their routes, stopping frequently at bus halts to maximize passenger collection.
This slow travelling and prolonged stopping, while seemingly aimed at ensuring a full bus, results in longer journeys for passengers, increased crowding, and safety concerns due to reckless driving. The practice also leads to a disproportionate distribution of passenger loads throughout the day, with the first few buses on a route often carrying the most passengers while subsequent buses are left with minimal occupancy.
This not only increases travel times for commuters but also contributes to reduced productivity and safety risks. The article calls for a reevaluation of these practices by bus operators, regulators, and transport planners to improve the overall efficiency and safety of the public transport system.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
