August 17, Colombo (LNW): A comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the nation’s public transport system is on the horizon, with the Ministry of Transport preparing to roll out a unified strategy to modernise and streamline services across the board.
The move, spearheaded by Minister Bimal Rathnayake, seeks to create a more reliable, secure, and technologically advanced transport network for the public. Speaking during a high-level review meeting attended by senior officials from various state-run transport services, the Minister underscored the need for a coordinated institutional approach.
He emphasised that the time had come to shift from fragmented management to a cohesive system capable of delivering consistent service across all modes of public transport.
Central to the proposed reforms is the integration of cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence and GPS tracking, which will play a vital role in service monitoring and route optimisation. The digitalisation of ticketing systems and payment methods also featured prominently in the discussions, with an eye on introducing contactless transactions and mobile-based platforms to ease commuter experience.
A key component of the plan involves the establishment of regional bus companies to enhance accountability and improve operational efficiency. Alongside this, the Ministry aims to improve the procurement process for new vehicles, ensuring that buses introduced to the fleet meet modern standards of safety, comfort, and environmental sustainability.
Another priority area under consideration is the creation of a rapid response mechanism to address public grievances. Officials indicated that a centralised complaints platform, accessible through digital channels, could be developed to improve communication between passengers and service providers.
The overarching vision aligns closely with the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to modernise state services and improve citizen access through technology-driven solutions. A defined timeline for these reforms is expected to be announced soon, with implementation to proceed in phases.
Transport authorities are now tasked with drafting the framework for this new mechanism, and further consultations are expected to refine the operational details in the coming weeks.
