Rs 32 Million More for Free Transport

This increase is due to an increase in the number of people eligible for free transportation. There are more than 155,000 students, an increase of 38% compared to 2005, and 68,000 retirees and otherwise capable, or 53% compared to 2005, to be able to travel for free.

In an effort to improve the transport service, the National Transport Authority (NTA) will provide additional operating permit.

Thus, the number of buses will increase on certain routes. The objective is to reduce not only the pressure on the existing fleet, but also the waiting time at bus stops.

For its part, the National Transport Company (NTC) will acquire 70 new buses by mid-June.

Among the 70 new buses that will acquire NTC by mid-June, there were 45 buses with 60 seats and 25 bus forty seats. The investments are in the range of Rs 180 million.

NTC is currently undergoing restructuring. It had a deficit of more than Rs 15 million for the 2013 financial year. In addition, three other companies are in the same financial situation, including United Bus Services, Triolet Bus Service and Rose-Hill Transport. The 2014 budget includes measures to support bus operators. A subsidy of Rs 1 million per bus will be made by the State. That, for the purchase of 200 modern buses in year. This subsidy is financed by a tax of one rupee per liter of fuel. It is also about bus "new generation", equipped with safety equipment. NTC plans to buy 100 'semi low floor buses' Japan, in addition to 65 already planned.