ComBank accelerates cashless public transport with NCG Express partnership

In a significant commitment of support to efforts to modernise Sri Lanka’s public passenger transport system, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has partnered with NCG Express to introduce fully digital bus ticketing, enabling passengers to pay fares using cards, QR-based payments and contactless technology.

The collaboration supports the government’s Digital Ticketing Initiative and marks one of the early large-scale implementations of integrated digital fare collection within Sri Lanka’s private passenger transport sector. 

By combining ticketing devices with secure payment acceptance and automated settlement through the bank’s acquiring network, the initiative aims to reduce dependence on cash, improve operational efficiency and enhance transparency in fare collection.

Under the partnership, conductors on NCG Express buses are being equipped with digital ticketing devices integrated with Commercial Bank’s payment acceptance solutions. When a passenger boards a bus, the conductor enters the applicable fare into the device, following which the passenger can tap a debit or credit card, use a mobile wallet such as Google Pay or scan a QR code to complete the payment. Transactions are processed instantly through the bank’s secure acquiring network, generating immediate confirmation and ensuring seamless, real-time fare collection.

Commercial Bank Assistant General Manager Personal Banking/Retail Products Development Kapila Liyanage said, “This partnership reflects Commercial Bank’s continued commitment to advancing digital payment innovation and supporting Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda.”

Initial deployment has already commenced on selected NCG Express routes, with plans to progressively expand the system across the well-known operator’s full fleet as part of a structured rollout programme. 

NCG Express Chairman Nikitha Grero said, “In line with our commitment to transform the transport sector in Sri Lanka, we are happy to partner with Commercial Bank to facilitate a convenient and seamless digital payment method for our passengers.”