Government expands Metro service while hundreds of new air-conditioned SLTB buses are planned
Sri Lanka’s Metro Bus programme is set for a substantial expansion, with the Government aiming for a 172-bus fleet while preparing to add hundreds of new air-conditioned buses to the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
The second Metro depot began operations at Kadawatha on Monday.
Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake says the existing Metro fleet is expected to increase to 122 buses this month, with Cabinet approval being sought for another 50.
The Government eventually intends to extend the service beyond the Western Province to Galle, Kandy and Jaffna.
Separately, the Minister says 600 new air-conditioned buses are expected for the SLTB by the end of the year, while another 200 could potentially be acquired using SLTB funds.
Public transport investment is sometimes discussed as though its principal purpose were providing newer buses.
It is considerably bigger than that.
An efficient, clean and dependable public transport system can persuade motorists to leave cars at home, reducing congestion, fuel consumption and the country’s expenditure on imported petroleum.
It can also reduce household transport costs and dramatically improve mobility for people who cannot afford private vehicles.
The real test of the Metro programme will therefore not be how many buses the Government purchases.
It will be whether passengers can depend upon them.
Regular schedules, sensible routes, proper maintenance, clean vehicles and reliable journey times will ultimately determine whether the programme changes the way Sri Lankans travel.
The air-conditioning is welcome.
Reliability will matter rather more.
