The GRTU said today that is has placed transport as one its major themes for the forthcoming Budget because congestion is affecting business.

The association said it has set up an Independent Providers of Passenger Transport Section and will be meeting all involved in a bid to achieve solutions.

Meetings have already been held for the providers of chauffeur driven cars, minibus operators and operators of private coaches.

"The passenger transport industry suffers huge drawbacks and inefficiencies due to several failures related to logistical ineptitude, road works, road closures, major arterial projects and conflicting permits granted to different entities to close public roads arbitrarily and most often without prior notice," the association said.

It said the passenger transport industry was also suffering considerable losses due to bureaucracy, changes in policy affecting fiscal benefits and inexplicable decisions taken by the authorities concerning public roads, such as those taken in relation to bus lanes.

The GRTU said it intends to meet the authorities, particularly those having the authority to close public roads. 

During the forthcoming sessions two main items will be discussed: the Kappara Roundabout Junction Project and an overhaul of the bus lane policy.