SLTB mobilises additional buses to meet increased demand during Election week

November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has issued instructions for all depots to deploy their current bus fleets to ensure smooth transportation operations throughout the upcoming week, until Monday (18).

This move comes in response to the heightened demand for public transport during the election period and the long weekend that follows.

According to SLTB Chairman, Ramal Siriwardana, provincial depots have been directed to operate buses as per the existing schedules to facilitate passenger movement to and from Colombo.

In addition, the SLTB has made arrangements to deploy extra buses in key regions.

Today (12), an additional 70 buses will serve the Gampaha, Kalutara, and Colombo areas, while another 80 buses will be stationed at Colombo Fort tomorrow to address the increased passenger volume.

These extra buses are set to complement the regular bus schedules, ensuring that the public is well served during this busy period.

In parallel with these efforts, the SLTB has allocated 1,017 buses to transport election officials and ballot boxes to various locations across the island, ensuring that all logistical requirements for the election are met.

Another 290 buses have been designated for the transport of police personnel tasked with election duties.

These buses are being deployed on a payment basis, with the understanding that they will be available for public transport once the election-related duties are completed.

Given the long weekend, which coincides with the general election, provincial depots have also been instructed to schedule buses for travel to Colombo on Sunday (17) and Monday (18) to accommodate the public’s travel needs.