The government has decided to allow passengers to pay bus fares using bank cards. Accordingly, the new system will be implemented from November 30, 2025, on buses equipped with convenient ticketing machines.
This was stated by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Ratnayake in Parliament.
“It is a well-known fact that bus tickets are being sold. That is the main reason why the bus industry in Sri Lanka cannot operate. The businessman cannot get any income from the bus. Therefore, there is a big request from the private bus owners’ associations to create a system for payment by cards. Many people have gone around to create transport cards. It is a hassle, it is an old job.
We therefore hope that by November 30, any passenger on the buses that currently have bus ticket machines in Sri Lanka will be able to buy tickets using their bank card that can be used in Sri Lanka.”