Make Public Transport Good Enough That People Choose It Over Cars

Sri Lanka’s traffic problem is not only that too many people own vehicles. People will choose buses and trains only when they are reliable, safe, comfortable and convenient.

According to the Asian Development Bank, buses’ share of passenger transport fell from over 60% around 2000 to about 30% by 2023. If Sri Lanka wants fewer private vehicles on the roads, simply telling people to use public transport is not enough. Public transport must become the easier choice.

Improve reliability

Passengers should know when their bus will arrive and how long the journey may take. Sri Lanka has already started using GPS tracking through the National Transport Commission’s MyBus-SL system.

This system should be expanded nationwide, with accurate information available through mobile apps, SMS and displays at major bus stops.

Create one coordinated network

Bus operators should not have to race each other to collect passengers. Instead, they should be rewarded for punctuality, safety, route coverage and service quality.

Unified timetables, stronger regulation and better coordination between private and public operators would make buses function as one connected network.

Introduce simple digital payments

Passengers should eventually be able to use one transport card, bank card or mobile payment system on buses and trains. This would reduce the need for cash and make transfers easier.

However, digital systems should not exclude people without smartphones. Cash payments, SMS services and ticket counters must continue during the transition.

Improve comfort and safety

Public transport also needs:

• cleaner and safer buses
• proper shelters and bus stops
• better access for elderly and disabled passengers
• stronger action against harassment
• reliable evening services
• safe walking routes to stations
• dedicated bus lanes on busy routes

Start with pilot routes

Sri Lanka should begin with a few busy corridors in Colombo, Kandy and other major cities. These routes can introduce GPS tracking, fixed timetables, digital payments, better stops and priority lanes.

Passenger numbers, punctuality, journey times and complaints should be measured before expanding the system.

The goal is not to make car ownership difficult. The goal is to make public transport so reliable that even car owners sometimes choose it because it is easier.