Restore Col 15 bus services: Even at a premium

Residents and visitors to George Pieris Mawatha, Colombo 15, accessed via Ferguson’s Road, continue to face significant hardship due to the complete absence of a bus service along this stretch. Whether approaching from Raasamunakande (Kanda Uda) or Nagalagam Street (Thotalanga), commuters are compelled to walk considerable distances, an inconvenience that disproportionately affects the elderly, schoolchildren, and daily-wage earners.This situation persists despite the area being home to a dense cluster of religious, educational, and residential establishments. In close proximity are also the Ceylon Pentecostal Mission and the Higher National Diploma in Engineering (HNDE) institute. The absence of reliable public transport undermines accessibility to these vital institutions.

Long-standing residents confirm that a regular bus service once operated along this route, underscoring both the feasibility and prior demand for such connectivity. In light of this, it is kindly requested that Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake, take immediate steps to reinstate a scheduled bus service.

If cost considerations present a constraint, a pragmatic alternative would be to introduce a premium-fare service. Given the evident demand and the critical nature of connectivity in this locality, commuters are likely to accept a reasonable surcharge in exchange for reliable and safe transport.

Restoring this service is not merely a matter of convenience—it is an essential step toward equitable urban mobility, improved access to public services, and enhanced quality of life for the residents of Colombo 15.

Mohamed Zahran

Colombo