The Public Transportation Dilemma in Sri Lanka

Lack of punctuality, overcrowding, and the uneasiness arising from the unpleasant milieu have kept many away from using public transportation in Sri Lanka. Attributed to the rise in the working population and income levels, there has been a notable shift in people using personal-use vehicles such as motorcycles, three-wheelers and cars. This was evident by the growth of the vehicle population in the year 2017, which was mainly driven by an increase in personal-use vehicles that accounted for 82% of the 7,247,122 vehicles. However according to the Department of Census and Statistics, with an average household income of only Rs. 62,237, there is still a population of over 50.9% relying on public transportation such as bus and rail transportation for commuting.

Bitter Facts

The Sri Lanka Transport Board, which regulates and operates state owned buses in Sri Lanka focuses on providing “a safe, efficient, effective, reliable and regular omnibus service to the public of Sri Lanka while ensuring economic viability”. On the other hand, the National Transport Commission that regulates the private omnibus transportation envisions providing “quality, cost effective and safe” means of travel. However, the intent of both these governing institutes remain subdued due to inefficiencies of service and other irregularities. Despite progressive steps being taken according to the elected officials, little is being realized to provide relief to the commoner. While a larger proportion of the population utilize bus transport, rail transportation only serves 4.3% of the modal share of transportation in the country. The inefficiencies leading to unpunctuality, overcrowding and safety concerns remain the same. Despite road networks in Sri Lanka including expressways, national highways, provincial and other roads being improved, the realisation for public transportation modes to be in par with the fast developing infrastructure is yet meagre.

The need for efficient policies and regulations

The Western Region is being developed to become the commercial and economic hub of Sri Lanka. While approximately 6 million people reside within the western region including Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts, over 70% of the total population of the country reside outside the commercial hub. Many commute daily to the Western Region from long distances. In a bid to provide better service to the long distance commuters, private companies operating online platforms such as BusBooking.lk and BusSeat.lk have been operating in the ‘long-distance public transport reservation’ industry. Such private sector initiatives are expected to succeed, especially with the increasing number of people already using the service. However, the various policies and regulations present in the country are inefficacious in providing safe and reliable transportation to the traveller.

An efficient public transportation is pivotal for inclusiveness in the society and bridging the social gaps that impede economic development. A good quality state transportation industry is whereby women, children, the differently-abled and all minorities are equally capable of using public transport without being subjected to harassment, discrimination and foul circumstances. Not only does a reliable and efficient public transportation sector make economical sense but it further reduces the negative outcomes of high car-dependency that include congestion and pollution.