The Government is committed to reforming the inefficient public transport system and providing the public with a convenient, affordable, safe and efficient transport service, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Speaking at the Cabinet decisions media briefing held today (11) at the Department of Government Information, the Minister said the Government is implementing several pilot projects under different models to identify successful approaches that can be expanded nationwide.
He said the introduction of new systems may create certain issues with existing mechanisms, but emphasized that the overall aim is to strengthen the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and encourage the private sector to provide transport services more competitively.
The Minister also noted that private operators have the capacity to import and operate similar buses, stressing that the ultimate objective is for all stakeholders to work together to provide better transport facilities for the public.
He said Metro bus services will initially be introduced as a pilot project in major cities. Based on the investment made by the Government and the revenue generated through the service, the programme will be gradually expanded to other cities.
