Separate lane for passenger buses from today

12 March 2017 04:03 pm - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The pilot project- Priority lane, which functions dual lanes as priority lanes for passenger buses was initiated at Rajagiriya today with the participation of the Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, Patali Champika Ranawaka.

The project which was introduced as a long term solution for the heavy traffic congestion in Colombo will be conduct as a trial version for a period of one week and will be concluded on March 19. As the first steps the dual lanes between Rajagiriya junction to the Ayurvedic Junction and the road from the Ayurvedic Junction to the Rajagiriya junction would function as Priority lanes.

The Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development announced that the entire project was initiated under the advisory of the Prof. Amal Kumarage with the support of the Korean government’s KAICA Institute.

The ministry said that a monitoring team has been created to review the outcome of the project, including officials from the Megapolis and Western Development Ministry, Road Development Authority, Sri Lanka Transport Board, Sri Lanka Police, Moratuwa University, Western Province Passenger Transport Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council.

Introducing the pilot project - Priority lane as a means of reducing the traffic congestion in Colombo and the suburban areas, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, Patali Champika Ranawaka said the proposed lane concept is a result oriented one and implemented in European Countries and in Singapore.

Minister Ranawaka said, while developing the transport services the country should work on more practical and less cost effective practices.
He also said that the recent census shows between 150-180 buses move towards Colombo Fort from Battaramulla during the rush hours from 7am - 9am and at 4.30pm.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala, Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Prof. Amal Kumarage participated at initiating the project. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)

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Comments - 17

Tani Monday, 13 March 2017 08:16 AM

Good move, we need to motivate those in government and get them to work for us, because we pay them for that.

Suren Abeyagoonasekera Thursday, 16 March 2017 05:51 AM

Definitely, the project will have teething problems. But Keep pursuing.. At least someone is taking a serious problem head-on. Pursue relentlessly with flow of inputs. You will succeed ! The day you allow Politicians on this track, project will be Dead. Watch out. Suren

VJ Monday, 13 March 2017 06:19 PM

Only the bus, no ambulance, no VIP cars or escorts? The bus will not use any other lane?

Prem Nath Monday, 13 March 2017 09:56 AM

Private busses waiting time at halts should not be for more than 30 seconds.As it is during peak times,the bus is sardine packed,the weather being too hot,people have to get to work and other places in time,yet the private bus drivers and conductors care less the commuters woes.They should also not be allowed to stop at way sides to pickup passengers except at halts.When bringing the bus to the halt,it should not be done in the middle of the road,whereby obstructing the traffic flow.There are many more falts,like smelly and dirty vehicles.Last but not the least,these guys do not give tickets.Why? In this case,why allow the private bus owners to increase fares?They save on printing tickets.

srilankan Monday, 13 March 2017 09:21 AM

well said MSR... well said

Viraj De Silva Monday, 13 March 2017 09:01 AM

Dear Minister,Suggest you allow other vehicles to use the bus lane to minimize traffic jams in other lanes.Good luck

Nimal Monday, 13 March 2017 08:50 AM

This has created very heavy traffic as early as 6.30 in the morning on Parliament Road today, 13th March. Restricting thousands of private vehicles coming towards Colombo to two lanes was the reason. When all three lanes were opened for all vehicles too there was heavy traffic and now this idiotic move has made the situation worse. Just calculate the loss to the country's economy by additional burning of fuel due to traffic congestion. Further busses coming on left side lane turning to Cotta Road at Ayurveda junction are blocking all other lanes for a considerable amount of time making the situation really bad.

lawry Monday, 13 March 2017 08:48 AM

It looks like a lot of thought is going into this idea. It is a very goo sign. After all it is the public transport that caters more people as opposed to one passenger cars taking up road space.

MSR Monday, 13 March 2017 08:43 AM

Traffic plan did not go smoothly. it was such a mess and we arrived 40 minutes late. Why is it so difficult for the authorities to understand major traffic is due to poor public transportation? People bring their private vehicles because public transportation is sooo poor. We don't need flyovers, we need more public transport vehicles.Let me quote what Mayor of Bogota says " A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It's where the rich use public transportation".

Lal Sunday, 12 March 2017 04:30 PM

When they first announced the plans Rajapaksa fans were commenting that they are only talk and no action! LOL

KJ Monday, 13 March 2017 05:00 AM

Much needed and let's see how many car folks switch to buses to make an effective commuting.

Mylanka Monday, 13 March 2017 04:53 AM

Wonder how long this will last with the idiot bus drivers trying to race each other.

Rondy Sunday, 12 March 2017 11:00 PM

Hope this will be continued in other major roads as well. It’s time we introduce new comfortable buses from CTB too so that more people would use public transport.

ceylon Sunday, 12 March 2017 10:26 PM

this system is successfully operating in many countries. via DM Android App

Lal2 Sunday, 12 March 2017 10:03 PM

oh finally something happening from Yahapalanaya via DM Android App

predictor Sunday, 12 March 2017 07:27 PM

No point to allowcate separate line to buses until change their reckless driving.and controlling their time to stay in a stop for a long time. via DM Android App

ravin Sunday, 12 March 2017 04:53 PM

good idea. But watch closely where three Wheeler's and motor cycles go. Hope fully not in the pavements.

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Separate lane for passenger buses from today

Comments - 17

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