CCC calls for proper transport plan with services set to resume in May

COLOMBO (News1st): The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has called for a proper transportation plan to be implemented when schools and universities are re-opened next month, amidst the fight against COVID - 19. "This would require reducing the total number of entrants especially during the peak hours into cities like Colombo in the first few weeks," the CCC said in a statement. Last week the government announced that schools and universities will be re-opened on May 11, with industries urged to resume operations, a move critics say is an attempt to conduct the general election. The chamber noted that transportation guidelines focusing on overcrowding and practicing health guidelines should also be issued with the coordination of health officials. "A mechanism to ensure there is demand reductions in the peak period should be introduced," the CCC noted. This can set the guidelines on office cadres, working hours, and the introduction of flexible hours such as working from home, the statement read. The chamber also called on the government to introduce a mechanism to assist public transport operators who are likely to earn less revenue given the less number of passengers who might travel when services resume