Swipe to Ride: Bank Card Bus Payments Start Monday in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Starting next Monday, passengers will be able to pay bus fares using bank cards, marking a major step toward a cashless public transport system. 

The initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Highways under the technical guidance of the Ministry of Digital Economy, will officially launch at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center.

According to Sumudu Ratnayake, Advisor to the Ministry of Digital Economy, the first phase will cover around 20 routes, including three major inter-provincial routes.

Passengers traveling on buses to Galle, Matara, and Badulla will be among the first to experience this digital payment system.

Five leading state and private banks have already expressed interest in supporting the program. 

Officials say the move will eliminate issues with returning balance to passengers and ensure accurate revenue tracking for bus operators.