Dr Sarath Obeysekera

Title:

Implementation of High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane and Regulated Carpooling System in Sri Lanka

1. Background

Urban congestion in Colombo and surrounding corridors such as:

• Malabe – Colombo
• Negombo – Colombo

has reached critical levels, causing:

• Loss of productivity
• Fuel wastage
• Increased pollution

International cities like Los Angeles have successfully implemented HOV lane systems combined with ride-sharing models.

2. Objective

To:

• Reduce traffic congestion without major infrastructure investment
• Encourage shared mobility
• Improve travel time reliability
• Optimize existing road capacity

3. Key Proposal

3.1 Dedicated HOV Lane

• Allocate one lane (where feasible) on selected corridors for:
  • Buses
  • Vehicles with 3 or more passengers

3.2 Regulated Carpooling Platform

• Establish a government-approved digital platform (PPP model)

Drivers can:

• Register their vehicle
• Publish routes (e.g., Malabe → Colombo)
• Accept co-passengers

Passengers:

• Book seats at regulated fares

3.3 Legal Framework

• Amend Motor Traffic Act to:
  • Allow cost-sharing transport (non-commercial classification)
  • Define insurance and liability
  • Prevent illegal taxi operations

3.4 Enforcement Mechanism

• Install AI-enabled cameras on selected roads
• Automatic:
  • License plate recognition
  • Passenger count estimation

Supported by:

• Sri Lanka Police
• Road Development Authority

Penalties:

• Instant digital fines
• Repeat offender tracking

3.5 Optional Future Phase

• Introduce paid access (HOT lanes) for single drivers during peak hours

4. Expected Benefits

• 20–30% reduction in peak-hour traffic (based on global benchmarks)
• Reduced fuel imports
• Lower emissions
• Increased public transport efficiency

5. Implementation Model

• Public–Private Partnership (PPP):
  • Government: Policy + enforcement
  • Private sector: App + technology + operations

6. Timeline

• Policy approval: 3 months
• Pilot launch: 6–9 months
• Evaluation: 12 months

Pilot Project Design (Practical & Actionable)

Pilot Corridor Options

Option 1:

• Malabe → Colombo (via Kotte / Rajagiriya)

👉 High volume of office commuters

Option 2:

• Negombo → Colombo

👉 Strong daily workforce movement

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Pilot Features

1. Time-Based HOV Lane

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM → inbound
• Evening: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM → outbound

2. Vehicle Eligibility

• Minimum 3 passengers
• Mandatory registration on platform

3. Technology Stack

• Mobile app (booking + verification)
• Camera enforcement points
• QR / RFID validation (optional)

4. Incentives

• Faster travel (main incentive)
• Reduced tolls (if expressway used)
• Fuel savings

5. Public Awareness Campaign

• Share Your Ride – Save Your Time”
• Media + corporate partnerships

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera