Priority Bus Lane to be Extended
Implemented as a pilot program on Parliament Road between the 12th and 23rd of March, the Priority Bus Lane initiative has shown positive results, according to the Megapolis Ministry. The success of the program has lead to the Ministry extending the Priority Bus Lane in attempts to help reduce traffic congestion in Colombo.
According to Megapolis Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, the speed within the trial section increased considerably during the test period, with buses reaching an average speed of 20kmph from Borella to Welikada Junction. This is up from only 9.5kmph in 2014 according to a study done by JICA.
The extended program will now include the following road sections during peak traffic hours:
Moratuwa to Ratmalana (along Galle Road)
Wellawatta to Kollupitiya (along Galle Road)
Parliament Junction to Rajagiriya, Borella, Maradana, Pettah and Colombo Fort (along Parliament Road)
From roundabout in Chiththampalam A. Gardiner Mw to Pettah
Thummulla Junction to Museum Junction
Eye Hospital roundabout to Thummulla Junction
The program is part of an initiative to help improve public transportation and reduce overall congestion on the roads. According to Minister Ranawaka, despite only accounting for 5% of the vehicles passing through the trial section, the bus lane benefited more than 40% of commuters.
To further reduce the usage of private vehicles, plans are being laid out to make travel by bus a more attractive option for vehicle owners. The Megapolis Ministry is looking to promote the importing of low-floor air-conditioned buses through a concessionary loan scheme. An electronic card payment system to support a common ticketing plan is also being worked on. (Source: LBO)
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