'Park and Ride' launched in Colombo

Colombo (News 1st);  The first phase of the 'Park and Ride' luxury bus service, introduced to ease congestion on the street of Colombo, was inaugurated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The aim is to provide a safe and secure public transport bus service for those using private cars and motorcycles to enter the city of Colombo. Commander Nilan Miranda, the Director-General of the National Transport Commission (NTC) speaking to News 1st said the service which will be launched from Makumbura, Kottawa will be implemented across the country as well. According to the President's Media Division, the new bus service will not only reduce the number of vehicles entering Colombo but will also contribute towards reducing carbon emission from vehicles and minimize environmental pollution. The service will also save time for passengers providing a stress-free journey. These buses which will be named CITY BUS will operate every 15 minutes from 06:00 AM to 09:00 AM daily and again from 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM. The bus service will operate every 25 minutes from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM. People traveling to Colombo in small vehicles and motorcycles will be able to park their vehicles in a designated area and use the CITY BUS services to enter Colombo and a more safe and secure manner, said Commander Nilan Miranda, the Director-General of the National Transport Commission (NTC). The President's Media Division said the number of passengers will be limited to the number of seats and the fee will be twice the amount charged when using a normal passenger transport bus.