Colombo, April 9 -- Nearly 1,000 buses will be deployed to meet the passenger demand during the New Year season, Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne said.

Addressing the media, he requested passengers not to wait until the Nonagathaya period to seek transport, as bus drivers and conductors also need at least two days off during the New Year celebrations.

Wijerathne said that he has requested the National Transport Commission (NTC) to allow private buses to operate on expressways under semi-luxury fares if there is a significant increase in passenger numbers.

Additional buses will charge semi-luxury fares, which is one and a half times the ordinary fare to cover fuel costs, especially for return trip...