A new fleet of 122 Metro buses was officially launched today (29) to operate along seven routes in the Western Province, as part of a government initiative aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Colombo and improving the quality of public transport.
The buses were launched at the Thalangama Metro Bus Depot under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and will operate on designated routes and schedules centred around Colombo.
Announcing the next phase of the programme, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake said the Government expects to import another 50 buses before the Sinhala and Hindu New Year.
These buses are expected to be deployed for intercity services covering Jaffna, Kandy and Galle.
The Minister also said an urban transport permit system should be introduced as the Metro service expands, with the aim of reducing congestion in major cities. The Government intends to subsequently involve the private sector in the programme.
He also called on mayors to identify and establish suitable parking facilities near relevant bus terminals to promote a Park & Ride system, allowing motorists to leave their private vehicles and use public transport to enter congested urban areas.
Rathnayake further revealed that the Chinese Government has agreed to provide 100 buses to Lanka Metro Transit, following discussions held during President Dissanayake’s visit to China.
The Minister said the Government has invested approximately Rs. 7.5 billion in establishing the Metro service, describing the investment as a sign of the country’s economic strength.
The Metro bus programme originated from a 2025 Budget proposal, which allocated Rs. 3 billion to purchase 100 low-floor buses to modernize public transport.
Of the 122 buses launched today, 104 were received by Sri Lanka, while eight were provided by the Government of Japan.
The initial Metro network consists of seven main routes covering approximately 188.7 kilometres. One of the main objectives is to reduce the number of private vehicles entering Colombo, particularly vehicles carrying only one person.
Meanwhile, the design of a fully digitalized system for Metro bus operations has been completed and procurement has commenced. The system is expected to cover fleet management, passenger information, fare collection and operational monitoring.
Plans for Metro bus depots have also been finalized, while infrastructure development has commenced. The Road Development Authority and Colombo Municipal Council are working on improvements to bus stop facilities.
Minister Rathnayake added that the Government plans to eventually expand the Metro bus project to several other major cities across Sri Lanka. (Newswire)
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