Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Chairman Gamunu Wijeratne has criticised the Government’s presentation of the Metro Bus initiative, stating that the project is funded by taxpayers money and should not be portrayed as a special achievement by the Government.
Responding to Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake’s remarks on the Metro Bus service, Wijeratne emphasised that the funds used for the project belong to the public, adding that its introduction should not come as a surprise.
The Metro Bus service, operated by the Government owned Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), was introduced as part of efforts to modernise public transportation, with low floor buses intended to improve accessibility for commuters, including persons with disabilities.
The initial pilot service began with 10 buses, with plans to expand the fleet by introducing an additional 112 buses.
