Lanka Metro Transit
| Parent | Sri Lanka Transport Board |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2025 |
| Service area | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Service type | Bus rapid transit / Urban Express |
| Routes | 6 (Initial pilot) |
| Hubs | Makumbura Multimodal Center, Kottawa |
| Fleet | 100 low-floor buses (planned) |
| Operator | Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd |
Lanka Metro Transit (Pvt) Ltd, abbreviated as LMT, is a state-affiliated transport company in Sri Lanka established to operate a modernised urban bus network. Launched as a subsidiary under the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), the service is designed to provide a high-quality "Metro Bus" alternative to private vehicle use, specifically targeting traffic congestion in the Colombo Metropolitan Region.[1]
History
The establishment of Lanka Metro Transit was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in June 2025 as part of a national strategy to modernise public transport.[2] Administrative operations for the company officially commenced in October 2025, headquartered at Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla.
In February 2026, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the service would begin passenger operations in August 2026. The project was introduced to address the "unplanned growth" of Sri Lankan cities by implementing a "bus cluster" system, where a formal company manages the deployment of high-standard vehicles.[3]
Operations
The transit system focuses on several key pillars including digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
Infrastructure and Fleet
The service utilises a fleet of air-conditioned, low-floor, luxury buses. These vehicles are designed for accessibility, featuring ramps and dedicated spaces for passengers with disabilities.[4]
On 11 March 2026, 10 specialised, air-conditioned low-floor buses designed for passengers with special needs arrived from China under 'Clean Sri Lanka' initiative.[5]
| Model | No. of buses | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foton AUV BJ6129 | 10 | Includes specialised wheelchair safety systems | [6] |
Routes
The pilot project is scheduled to launch on six main corridors entering Colombo. Plans for the second phase include expansion into the Galle and Kandy districts, with a long-term goal of serving eight major cities within three years.[7]
See also
References
- ^ Staff (12 February 2026). "Lanka Metro Transit bus service from August". Newswire. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ^ Priyan (3 June 2025). "Cabinet gives green light to establish Metro Bus Unit". The Island. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ^ "Govt. plans to introduce Lanka Metro Transit bus service". Ada Derana. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ^ "Govt Moves to Modernise Urban Transport with New Fleet of Low-Floor Buses". Lanka News Web. 15 September 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ^ "Govt. to introduce priority bus service for persons with disabilities from April". Ada Derana. 12 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "Low-floor AC buses for persons with disabilities to hit Colombo roads soon". Newswire. 12 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "Govt. expects metro bus service will set new standard". Daily FT. 26 November 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2026.