The Metro bus service, developed to improve public transport in Colombo and its suburbs, has been expanded to five more routes from today, September 29.

Operated by Lanka Metro Transit, the service had so far run on two routes on a trial and initial basis. With five more routes added, the Metro bus network now covers seven main routes in total.

The expansion links central Colombo with key suburban areas including Athurugiriya–Millennium City, Panadura, Dematagoda, Kesbewa, Battaramulla and Ekala. A circular Metro bus service centred on Kollupitiya is also part of the network.

The current Metro bus network includes the Makumbura–Pettah, Millennium City–Colombo Fort, Makumbura–Kadawatha, Dematagoda–Panadura, Battaramulla–Ekala, Kollupitiya circular and Kesbewa–Pettah routes.

The government's aims include providing more buses for daily commuters travelling into Colombo, reducing the use of private vehicles and easing traffic congestion in the city.

In information released on September 29, Lanka Metro Transit Chairman U. P. Thilakaratne said 111 buses would be used for the new routes. An earlier report based on information from the Transport Ministry, meanwhile, said 104 new buses would be added to the service.

The low-floor buses used in the Metro service are designed to make boarding and alighting easier. Accessibility for passengers who use wheelchairs, priority seating and clear passenger information announcements are also among the service's key features.

Plans are also being pursued to incorporate technologies gradually into the transport system, including GPS tracking of bus locations, journey planning and digital payment facilities.

The Metro bus project, which began with a focus on Colombo, is planned to expand to other parts of the country in the future.

Lanka Metro Transit Chairman U. P. Thilakaratne said the company expects to extend the service to areas outside Colombo from next year. Transport Ministry plans include a future extension of Metro bus services to areas such as Jaffna, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Galle.

Amid growing transport needs in Colombo and its suburbs, this expansion is part of an effort to bring more passengers into an organised public transport service.