The official website of the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre was launched today, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena announced.
The website allows passengers to access bus and train timetables as well as important information on multimodal transport centres across the country.
An AI-powered passenger assistant named “MAKU” has also been introduced through the website, enabling passengers to obtain transport-related information more easily.
The Deputy Minister said the initiative formed part of the Government’s broader programme to modernise transport infrastructure and improve passenger facilities.
Plans to introduce a new bus terminal and traffic management system were also discussed at the launch. GPS technology is expected to be integrated into the system to facilitate real-time tracking of buses.
Officials also reviewed the existing “Park and Ride” system, with discussions focusing on reducing private vehicle use and minimising environmental impacts by controlling emissions.
Proposals were also made to expand the system by introducing technology-based solutions such as automated parking facilities.
Meanwhile, a new passenger transport data collection system has been established to record information including bus numbers, passenger volumes, peak and off-peak travel periods, and arrival delays.
Gunasena said such data would be vital for future planning and decision-making in the transport sector.
He noted that multimodal transport centres, which integrate railway services, long-distance buses and metro bus services at a single location, play an important role in promoting public transport and reducing the use of private vehicles.
The Government has prioritised the development of multimodal transport centres as part of its plans to further strengthen the country’s transport infrastructure, he added.
