Low-floor bus service launched in Makumbura with priority for disabled passengers

Colombo, April 21 (Daily Mirror) - A pilot low-floor bus service aimed at providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport for persons with disabilities and special needs was launched today ( 21) at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center under the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

The initiative was inaugurated under the patronage of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Ratnayake.

As part of the pilot project, 10 specially designed low-floor buses were deployed, enabling easy access for wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and pregnant women. Each bus is equipped with 30 seats, including designated spaces for wheelchair users.

The service will initially operate on the Makumbura–Colombo Fort and Makumbura–Kadawatha routes, covering key healthcare institutions such as the National Hospital of Sri Lanka and the Apeksha Hospital.

Addressing the event, Minister Ratnayake described the launch as a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s public transport sector, noting that such buses had not previously been introduced on local roads. He said the initiative prioritises the needs of the disabled community while also enhancing comfort and reliability for all passengers.

He further revealed plans to add 122 more buses of this type before the end of the year and expand the service to other areas including Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

An accompanying mobile application, LMT GO, was also launched to provide passengers with easy access to service information and improve overall convenience.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena, along with officials from the “Clean Sri Lanka” Secretariat and the Transport Ministry, were also present at the event.