Towards a Developed Urban Transportation System: Lessons for Sri Lanka

Series: Labour Markets & Employment

A high-quality urban transportation system is vital for Sri Lanka’s economic resurgence and to ensure the well-being of citizens. However, despite a comprehensive planning context and a relatively consistent policy context, the progress made in public transportation in Sri Lanka is limited. Using a case study approach, this qualitative research study examines transport initiatives adopted in Metro Manila in the Philippines, Bangkok in Thailand, and Hong Kong to learn lessons to improve public transportation in urban Sri Lanka. Metro Manila and Bangkok are examined due to their similarity to Colombo and the Western Province in Sri Lanka, with high levels of traffic congestion for decades. The Philippines and Bangkok are known for their success in addressing these congestion issues such as establishing a Light Rail Transit system, thus providing vital insights into overcoming problems prevalent in Sri Lanka’s transport system.