Limited private bus services as holiday travel winds down: State operators step in
April 15, Colombo (LNW): Passenger transport services across Sri Lanka saw reduced activity today, with only a fraction of private buses in operation amid easing holiday travel demand.
According to the head of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, a mere 30 to 35 per cent of privately operated buses were on the roads, equating to an estimated 5,000 vehicles nationwide.
The subdued figures follow the tail end of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities, during which public mobility typically peaks as citizens travel to and from their hometowns.
However, as the holiday period transitions into routine workdays, private operators have scaled down services to reflect the lower commuter turnout.
In contrast, state-run transport services are taking steps to accommodate the gradual return of travellers to the capital and major urban centres. The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) announced that while regular bus services remain in operation, contingency measures are in place to deploy additional vehicles to meet any regional demand surges.
Area managers have been instructed to respond dynamically, ensuring that no passengers are left stranded during this transitional period.
Sri Lanka Railways echoed a similar readiness, confirming that office trains are functioning as usual, in recognition of today being a working day for most institutions.
Officials further noted that special train services have been arranged to assist passengers returning to Colombo and other urban regions in the coming days.
Transport authorities anticipate a gradual return to full operational levels by midweek, as the final wave of holidaymakers concludes their journeys.
