A total of 104 new Metro buses are to be deployed on seven major routes in the Western Province, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion in Colombo and providing passengers with a convenient and safe public transport service.
The new bus service operated by the Metro Bus Company is scheduled to be launched tomorrow (29) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
All 104 buses will operate on seven routes centred around Colombo. The service has been planned according to designated routes and timetables to enable passengers to reach their destinations efficiently.
The government expects the new bus service to help reduce severe traffic congestion in Colombo by encouraging the public to use public transport for their daily journeys.
The new Metro bus network has been designed to connect Colombo with key residential, commercial and transport centres in and around the city.
The seven planned services are:
CM01 – Makumbura to Pettah
CM02 – Millennium City to Pettah
CM03 – Makumbura to Kadawatha
CM04 – Dematagoda to Panadura
CM05 – Battaramulla to Ekala
CM06 – Kollupitiya circular service
CM07 – Kesbewa to Pettah
The routes will connect Colombo and surrounding areas including Kottawa, Battaramulla, Rajagiriya, Borella, Malabe, Kadawatha, Wattala, Dehiwala, Moratuwa, Panadura and Piliyandala.
Officials have pointed out that severe traffic congestion occurs as a large number of private vehicles enter Colombo city every day. They have also stated that strengthening public transport services capable of carrying larger numbers of passengers at a time could help reduce the use of private vehicles.
Police have announced that on the seven designated bus-priority routes in the Western Province, other vehicles will be prohibited from entering or stopping on those routes from 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Exceptions will be allowed only in specific circumstances, such as emergencies, avoiding accidents, travelling when necessary due to severe traffic congestion, or making a turn, police said.
