Pilot bus sector clustering programme approved

Colombo, July 7 (Daily Mirror) - The Government has approved a pilot programme to introduce a bus sector clustering system to improve public transport services and address existing issues in the bus sector.

Bus transport is the main mode of daily travel for people in Sri Lanka. Services are provided by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and many private bus operators. However, the current system has created several problems, including heavy competition between operators, failure to maintain proper schedules, too many buses on roads, unsafe driving practices, passenger difficulties, traffic congestion and poor use of resources.

Under the bus sector clustering system, buses operating on the same routes or in the same areas will be managed through a coordinated system. This method, which has been introduced successfully in several countries, aims to provide a more reliable and efficient bus service.

The Government believes that introducing this system in Sri Lanka will help reduce existing problems in the bus sector by improving coordination among bus operators and providing better services to passengers.

Accordingly, Cabinet approval has been given to launch a pilot project covering bus routes 170, 177 and 190 with the involvement of relevant stakeholders.

The Government will review the results of the pilot programme and consider expanding the system to other bus routes if it proves successful.