May 12, Colombo: The Minister of Transport Services and Power and Energy Mahinda Amaraweera said permission will be granted for trains and buses to only transport passengers according to the number of seats, in the districts where the curfew has been lifted.

Train and bus services will limit the number of passengers to the number of seats from Wednesday (13) in all areas of the country except in Colombo and Gampaha districts where the curfew is still enforced.

The decision was taken at a meeting held today between Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and relevant stakeholders to discuss regularizing transport services for both public and private sector employees who are returning to work following the easing of the curfew. The Provincial transport authorities, ministry officials, and representatives of public transport unions participated in the meeting.

It has been decided to allow private buses to resume services from Wednesday. Accordingly, all private buses will be operated from tomorrow (13).

The Minister said season tickets and regular tickets will be issued for train commuters from tomorrow (13) and the passengers must produce the identity card issued by their workplace in obtaining the ticket.

Trains and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) or private buses are allowed to carry only the number of passengers according to the number of seats. All passengers must be seated and no standing passengers are allowed. Employees reporting to work in the private and state sector will be given priority in the process.

Trains and buses plying from other districts will be restricted for passengers arriving from Gampaha and Colombo districts. Separate services will be provided for those who come to work from these two districts, where curfew is still in effect.

The general public is requested to limit the use of public transport unless absolutely necessary. The Minister urged the general public not to use transport services for unnecessary travel.

Wearing a mask is compulsory for traveling on buses. It has been decided that no person without a mask will be admitted into buses.

All passengers should enter the bus from the front entrance and exit from the entrance towards the back of the bus. Hand sanitizers should be available on all buses while hand-washing facilities have been provided at all bus halts and train stations.