Makumbura Multimodal Center – Kottawa(MMCK) added another mode of transport, a taxi service collaboratively operated with one of the private sector taxi service providers, Pick-Me to facilitate the last mile connectivity to the public, about 12,000 of them that use the Center daily. Other taxi service providers were invited to join with this last mile connectivity concept in order to deliver a better service tothe passenger.The project was officially and ceremonially launched on the 20th of February 2024. The Hon. Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Bandula Gunawardana not only took the lead in bringing the local service providers onboard with the service, but also was the esteemed chief guest of the occasion, accompanied by the secretary of the Ministry Eng. Ranjith Ganganath Rubasinghe.
Operation objectives and procedures of a Multimodal Center being different from other independently operating transport providing locations, providing the connectivity for the last mile for the passengers has been considered priority. Until the services were opened for operation with the private sector and a local Three-Wheeler association the last mile connectivity was obtained from individually operated services with no connection to the MMCK. With this initiative, the passengers who use the center for their transport needs can enjoy a reliable and safe service once they arrive at the MMCK.
The service quality has been ensured with the advanced technology at its disposal by displaying the information of the Taxi and the operator on a screen and the option of acquiring the same information to the personal phone of the passenger through a QR code, also displays along with the information on the screen. The service reservation is primarily Mobile App based for the convenience of the Tech lovers while offering an onsite reservation counter not to abandon the customers who doesn’t have access to the App facility.
In addition to hiring Three-Wheeler and Four-Wheeler taxis, electrical bikes are available for hire in the same service platform which is a low-cost and an environmentally friendly option.
Event was participated by the Additional Secretary (Development) to the Ministry of Transport & Highways, Mr. Thushara Suraweera, Project Director of the Greater Colombo Urban Transport Development Project, Mr. Nalaka Dissanayaka, Chairman of the National Transport Commission, Mr. Shashi Welgama and many other guests. The taxi service started to serve the passengers arriving to the MMCK was appreciated by the guests.