Bus priority lanes to be implemented on more routes entering Colombo

Cabinet approval has been granted to introduce bus priority lanes to several routes entering Colombo, in a bid to reduce traffic.

Cabinet approval has been granted to implement Bus Priority lanes in following road sections during  busy hours
                           o    Moratuwa-Ratmalana, Wellawatta-Kollupitiya in Galle Road
                           o    From Parliament Junction to Rajagiriya, Borella, Maradana, Pettah and Colombo Fort in Parliament Road
                           o    From roundabout in Chiththampalam A. Gardiner Mw to Pettah
                           o    Thummulla Junction to Museum Junction
                           o    Eye Hospital roundabout to Thummulla Junction

Further approval was granted to promote the importation of Low Floor air-conditioned buses through concessionary loan schemes and a common ticketing system with an electronic card payment facility.

A bus priority lane was implemented as a pilot project from March 12 - 23.  Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka put forward proposals to further expand the bus lanes  and to improve public transport services for the middle class.