Coming soon: New buses, routes for city commuters

THE Ministry of Transport is busy rolling out a newly structured city commuting route deploying modern buses raising convenience and comfort levels for public.

As per the fresh initiative the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) will launch five services encompassing some of the most patronised routes within Colombo.

Modern and spacious buses which are commonly used in Southeast Asia will be deployed. The plan is to ensure that a bus reaches respective halting points in the five routes every 10 minutes during peak hours and within 15 minutes off peak hours.

The Ministry hopes to start the new service within four months following the import of buses.

Route 1 spanning 14 kilometres will cover Pettah - Fort - D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha - Darley Road - Union Place - Town Hall  - St. Bridget’s Primary - Maitland Place -Torrington - Bauddhaloka Mawatha - Jawatta Road - Havelock – Dickman’s Road – Milagiriya - Galle Road – Bambalapitiya - Kollupitiya - Galle Road - Old Parliament -York Street -  Olcot Mawatha - Pettah.

Route 2 encompassing 19.2 kilometres will serve Town Hall - Union Place - Slave Island - Fort -Pettah- Maradana - Punchi Borella - Borella - Narahenpita - Kirulaponne - Havelock - Museum.

Route 3 spanning 14.9 kilometres will cover Hekiththa New Bridge - Palm Road - New Road - Bo Gaha Junction - Thotalanga - Armour Street - Pettah - Fort - Khan Clock Tower - Kochchikade - Weralabada Road - Aluth Mawatha - Kotahena Police - Palm Road -Hekiththa New Bridge

Route 4 will cover 12.2 kilometres from Fort - Lake House - Nawam Mawatha, - R.A.de Mel Mw. - Dickman’s Road - Galle Road – Fort.

Route 5 spanning 14.8 km will cover Pettah - Sangaraja Mw. - Maligawatta - Orugodawatta -Wellampitiya – Kolonnawa Junction - Dematagoda - Siri  Damma Mw. - Punchi Borella - Ward Place - Town Hall - Deans Road - Maradana - Pettah.