A Study on Passenger Attitudes towards Future Inland Ferry Service from Negombo to Colombo

Abstract

Ferry services are used as a public transport mode in most of the countries for both passenger and cargo transportation and it is considered as more environmental friendly mode than other modes because of the low emission and the successful solution for the congested roads. In Sri Lankan context ferry transportation is not popular as day to day transport method. But in the ancient times there was a canal system which was created during in Dutch era and British era. This study is focussing on the Hamilton canal and Dutch canal which was a part of that ancient canal system, at present which are parallel to Negombo – Colombo highway. Although these two destinations connect by highway, railway and expressway, in the peak hours there is severe congestion occurred on the highway. Therefore, ferry service will be a good solution to minimize these issues. And both of these canals are blessed with natural beauty which attracts tourists. However inland ferry service is not familiar as a public transportation service among the passengers. Therefore, it is important get to know their attitudes towards ferry service. Attitudes of the potential passengers will be help to design the service according to passenger expectations and it will help to launch a successful ferry service between Negombo and Colombo. Most of the passengers are concern about the reliability, safety, responsiveness and comfort. But accessibility and affordability also important in long run process. Through the study, another factor which found out is, the service will be more trustworthy if it could be provided by a government body like Sri Lanka Navy. After conducting an attitude survey among daily transport users, the findings of this research are: passengers concern about the safety precautions of the boat and the station, comfort related facilities and also considering about a reliable service will be helpful for implementing successful ferry service between Negombo and Colombo.