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3 clusters · 6 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Colombo Metro Bus service expansion and launch

Overview

The Colombo Metro Bus service, under the Lanka Metro Transit brand, has officially launched an expanded network in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. Inaugurated under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the service covers approximately 188.7 kilometres across seven routes, including connections such as Makumbura to Pettah and Athurugiriya to Colombo Fort.

The expanded fleet consists of up to 121 buses. While eight buses were provided by the Government of Japan, the Chinese government has agreed to provide an additional 100 buses following recent diplomatic discussions. Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced plans to import 50 more buses before the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, with future intentions to extend services to Jaffna, Kandy, and Galle.

To support the initiative and alleviate traffic congestion, the government is considering an urban transport permit system and a ‘Park & Ride’ scheme. Metro Bus Chairman S. M. U. P. Thilakaratne noted that the goal is to provide secure, comfortable, and reliable scheduled services to reduce the number of private vehicles, particularly single-occupancy cars, entering the city.

Entities

Colombo · Lanka Metro Transit · Bimal Rathnayake · Metro Bus · Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Sri Lanka launches expanded Metro Bus service in Colombo

    Sri Lanka has launched an expanded Metro Bus service in Colombo, deploying over 120 buses across seven routes to reduce congestion and modernize urban public transport.

  2. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Metro Bus to deploy 104 new buses in Colombo

    Metro Bus will deploy 104 new buses on seven routes in the Western Province starting September 29 to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion in Colombo.

  3. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Colombo Metro Bus expansion to launch in late September

    Colombo's Metro Bus service, under the Lanka Metro Transit brand, is set to expand in late September with seven new routes connecting the city to major suburbs.

Sources

frontpage.lk · lankanewspapers.com · lankaxpress.com · newswire.lk · onlanka.com · srilankachronicle.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history