BIA temporarily halts new luxury shuttle service amid protests

By T.K.G. Kapila

The Officer in Charge of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday announced that the newly introduced luxury shuttle service between BIA and Colombo has been temporarily suspended with immediate effect following protests from various transportation associations.

The luxury shuttle service, which began on 15 August, offered connections between BIA and key locations, including Port City, Colombo Fort Railway Station, the Colombo Main Bus Stop and the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre.

BIA Private Luxury Bus Association Chairman Indika Gunasekara claimed that the launch was merely an effort of promoting the Government ahead of the election.

He stated that the Airport-Fort Private Luxury Bus Association protested against the new service shortly after its launch, even initiating a bus strike. 

Gunasekara also said the association has presented their objections to the Transport and Highways Ministry and the Election Commissioner’s Office.

In addition, the Katunayake Airport Taxi Associations also joined in support of the protest, contributing to the decision to halt the luxury bus service after just four days of operation.

Gunasekara stated that, in lieu of the suspended shuttle service, 10 buses from the Private Luxury Bus Association were deployed daily on the route connecting BIA, Colombo Fort Railway Station and the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre.