Sri Lanka introduces AI-powered monitoring to improve bus safety

Sri Lanka has launched a new initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into private bus operations, aiming to enhance passenger safety, improve operational efficiency and strengthen accountability across key routes.

The initiative centres on the introduction of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), alongside driver-monitoring camera systems, to support safer driving practices and enable authorities to monitor bus operations more effectively.
To review the progress of the initiative, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake, visited the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) headquarters in Narahenpita, where he inspected the newly established monitoring centre.

Speaking to the media during the visit, the Minister highlighted how AI could overcome the challenges of managing a large bus fleet with limited human resources. “Even if we appoint 25 officials to manage a company that has 100 buses to properly manage this, it is difficult. But through this, we have the capability to handle even two or three people because all these shortcomings of this system are handled by artificial intelligence, meaning it’s not some magic, but it is a public transport system that we are lacking and introducing in Sri Lanka,” the Minister said.

He explained that the digital monitoring division would enable authorities to track whether buses operate according to schedule, assess the performance of drivers and operators, and monitor compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Meanwhile, the government plans to expand the Metro bus network into new urban centres, including Galle, Nuwara Eliya and Gampaha, while also planning to introduce another 50 buses.

However, the Minister stressed that modernising public transport must extend beyond the Metro network. Sri Lanka continues to rely on approximately 15,000 private buses and 5,000 Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses to meet the country’s daily transportation needs. (Newswire)

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