Maryam Nawaz Inaugurates Lahore’s First Electric Bus Service
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched Lahore’s first electric bus transport system on Wednesday, aiming to offer an affordable and eco-friendly travel option for commuters.
Speaking at the event, Maryam Nawaz outlined the initiative as part of her “Green Punjab” vision. She revealed that 27 electric buses have arrived and set the fare at Rs. 20 to ensure public transport is more accessible to the public.
Free Travel for Students, Senior Citizens, and Differently-Abled Individuals:
- The new service will allow students, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals to travel free of charge using an electric bus card.
- Passengers will also benefit from free internet and charging facilities available onboard.
Expansion Plans:
- Nawaz also announced plans to introduce 500 more electric buses by August.
- The Metrobus service will be extended to Faisalabad and Gujranwala in the upcoming financial year.
- As part of the transport modernization efforts, the government aims to provide 100,000 electric bikes to students.
Environmental Impact and Traffic Reduction:
- Officials highlighted that the electric bus service is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable public transport system in Lahore.
Peshawar’s BRT Service Expansion:
- In another development, Peshawar is set to expand its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service by adding 72 new hybrid diesel buses to meet rising demand and alleviate congestion.
- Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur chaired a meeting to review plans to launch new BRT routes along Ring Road, Bara Road, and Khyber Road.
- The government has set a six-month deadline to complete the required civil works for the new buses and routes, with ongoing construction of BRT plazas, such as the Mall of Hayatabad and Dubgari Plaza, expected to be completed by the end of April.
