This service will help ease the burden of rising travel costs for citizens. The new initiative will run buses through private operators who will be paid based on the distance they cover. The buses will operate in 17 districts where public transport is currently unavailable, and the service will be free for all passengers.
The pilot phase of this project has already been approved for Gujranwala, Multan, and Sialkot. These cities will see the first buses running before the program expands to other areas.
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The operators will be paid on a per-kilometer basis, with each bus required to operate at least 100 kilometers daily. No payments will be made for distances beyond the 200-kilometer limit. Routes will be determined based on the demand for transport in each area.
Private operators will be responsible for covering all operational costs, including drivers, fuel, and maintenance. Meanwhile, the government will ensure weekly payments to operators to keep the service running smoothly.
Around 1,000 buses are planned to be deployed under this model, and all services will be completely free for passengers. This will provide much-needed relief to people struggling with the increasing costs of commuting.
The decision follows a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where the impact of rising fuel prices on transport fares was discussed. The new routes are expected to ease the financial strain on the public by offering free travel.
In addition to transport, the meeting also focused on controlling the prices of essential food items. Officials reviewed the rates of 23 key products like vegetables, fruits, and pulses to ensure affordability for citizens.
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The free bus service could make daily commuting much easier for many people. It’s a great relief, especially considering the rising fuel costs. However, the success of this plan will depend on effective implementation and operator coordination.
