The National Transport Commission (NTC) has signed up the Moratuwa University to study the demand for road transport services on inter-provincial routes.
Commission in mid April, the Engineering faculty is due to complete the study before September 2003. rn
rnNTC officials say they have stopped issuing new inter-provincial route permits since the beginning of the year and will hold back until the study is finalised. rn
rnNTC project officers say all new permits will be issued based on the study, with preference given to routes lacking bus frequencies. rn
rnThe overhaul in the route permit issuing process heeds to directives from the Minister of Transport, Highways and Civil Aviation, Tilak Marapana. rn
rnThe NTC has advised businessmen to refrain from buying busses until the study is complete. rn
rnOn average about 3,500 inter-provincial route permits are in use, with 500 fresh permits issued annually and an equal number being cancelled.rn
rnThe Moratuwa University will also study the commu