Initial project of Google Transit facility launched

Making a giant transformation in the transport sector, the National Transport Commission (NTC) launched the initial project in introducing the Google Transit facility in Sri Lanka to assist in easy public transportation.

The Transport Ministry said the required data in order to introduce this facility had been submitted yesterday in line with the 25th anniversary of the NTC which was held under the patronage of subject Minister Arjuna Ranatunga.

The Google Transit facility is expected to assist the public by providing details of bus routes, train stations, rail routes and other public transport related matters.

Trains would be marked in red while buses and provincial and inter-provincial buses will be denoted in blue and green respectively on the map which comes with the service.

Dr Dimantha de Silva, a senior lecturer at the Moratuwa University who handles the project said users would only be able to obtain schedules of public transport modes until the service is upgraded to provide real time facilities.

The facility would first be made available in the Western Province and later it would be expanded across other provinces as well. (Sheain Fernandopulle)