“Our goal is to create a responsive and interactive community for bus travellers, where timely information can lead to better planning and reduced waiting times,”
A groundbreaking new service is being rolled out to simplify bus travel using WhatsApp groups to provide real-time info on bus schedules. This initiative, spearheaded by inventor Pradeep Gammanpila and governed by the Road Passenger Transport Authority-WP, aims to reduce the time families spend waiting for buses, which currently averages around 45 to 55 hours per month for a typical family of four.
By streamlining access to schedules, the system is slated to enhance commuter convenience and recapturing lost labour hours wasted during long waits.
Gammanpila, a past student of Anuruddha College, Nawalapitiya and an alumnus of the Faculty of Science at the University of Peradeniya, said that modern technology can significantly improve public transport efficiency.
“Our goal is to create a responsive and interactive community for bus travellers, where timely information can lead to better planning and reduced waiting times,” he said.
Athurugiriya/Rukmalgama – Colombo 138/3, 138/4 route
The first phase of the project kicked off on November 1, 2024, targeting the Athurugiriya/Rukmalgama-Colombo bus route. For this pilot project, timekeepers stationed at the Athurugiriya bus stand shared updates in the WhatsApp group about all departing buses. As the project progresses, information will also be added for buses departing from Colombo. The Western Province Transport Authority officials, including the General Manager Jagath Perera and the Regional Manager Ravindra Wettasinghe, have voiced their support, confirming that the new system is expected to make bus schedules more predictable for commuters.
Mutual support and expansion plans
Gammanpila said that travellers are encouraged to notify the group of their boarding locations, for mutual support among users. This convenience is anticipated to save time and money for travellers while also creating new revenue opportunities for bus owners. The group is designed for focused information-sharing, so members are asked to avoid posting unrelated content to maintain clarity and efficiency.
In addition to his role, Gammanpila donated a new phone to the Western Province Transport Authority to facilitate the successful management of this project.
