December 07, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has clarified that passengers with monthly train season tickets may use them on SLTB buses only in regions where rail services remain curtailed or fully suspended following recent disruptions.
The Board reported a rise in attempts by commuters to use rail passes on buses operating along routes where train services have already returned to normal, prompting the reminder.
In a related move, the National Transport Commission (NTC) has arranged special morning buses for tomorrow on the busy Kandy–Colombo corridor to ease passenger congestion.
NTC Chairman P.A. Chandrapala confirmed that travellers will be allowed to board these additional services using their train season tickets, given the temporary strain on the rail network.
Meanwhile, the Department of Railways has turned its focus towards a significant infrastructure concern in the Peradeniya area. Plans are being considered for the construction of a new double-lane railway bridge over the Mahaweli River, after engineers determined that the existing structure has deteriorated beyond practical repair.
General Manager of Railways, Ravindra Padmapriya, stated that a final decision on the matter is expected tomorrow, noting that a replacement bridge would be essential to ensure long-term safety and uninterrupted rail operations.
