New wonder of public transport!

The Ministry of Transport on Wednesday launched the month-long trial run of a new luxury and efficient bus service by the Sri Lanka Transport Board. Using a luxurious air conditioned Volvo super deluxe coach the service will be piloted on select popular routes during the month. If proved viable in terms of delivering break-even initially, the luxury service will be deployed on a full time basis. A unique feature of the coach is that it is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and via a Real Time Customer Information System commuters could text and get the exact time of its arrival at the pre-selected bus halt enabling timely boarding. The Ministry said the timing can be assured based on the average speed achieved midst traffic and the number of kilometres travelled. This is being tested via the current trial run. Routes covered in the pilot phase include Moratuwa-Fort, Kesbewa-Fort, Negombo-Fort, Nittambuwa-Fort, Kaduwela-Fort and Homagama-Fort. Subsequently it will be expanded from Kaduwela to Negombo, Moratuwa to Negombo and Moratuwa to Gampaha. The service was commissioned with a symbolic ride within Galle Face by Transport Minister Kumar Welgama along with Secretary Dhammika Perera - Pic by Nisal Baduge