Sri Lanka to deploy all 121 Metro buses as Colombo service expands

Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake says all 121 available Metro buses are expected to be deployed as the service is expanded across the suburbs of Colombo.

The Minister said the Metro bus service, which was initially launched with 10 buses, has already had a significant impact on the public and can no longer be considered only a pilot project.

He said the government also plans to introduce Metro bus services in Galle, Kandy and Jaffna from next year, with Cabinet approval already granted for the expansion.

According to the Minister, the main aim of the project is not simply to attract passengers who already use regular bus services, but to encourage people who currently travel by private vehicles to shift to public transport.

Around 240 bus stops have been identified for the Colombo Metro bus project, and plans are being made to introduce a “Park and Ride” system at these locations.

Under the system, passengers will be able to park their cars or motorcycles at designated parking areas near Metro bus stops and continue their journeys using Metro buses.

Minister Rathnayake requested landowners, businesses and local government authorities near the identified bus stops to establish parking facilities for Metro bus passengers.

The Metro organisation will provide basic guidelines on how the parking facilities should be set up, while the relevant local government authorities will be responsible for registering and regulating them.

Meanwhile, the Urban Development Authority is expected to introduce a mobile application within the next few months to provide real-time information on registered parking facilities near Metro bus stops.

The app will show the availability of parking spaces, allowing passengers to check before leaving home and choose another parking location if their preferred facility is full.

Parking fees will be determined by the relevant local government authorities, while arrangements are also expected to be made for online payments.

The Minister stressed that providing sufficient parking facilities near the identified Metro bus stops will be essential to the success of the project and to encouraging more private vehicle users to switch to public transport.