The Punjab government has signed an agreement with leading ride-hailing companies InDrive and Yango to provide free transportation during Lahore’s colorful Basant celebrations, aiming to ease traffic congestion and improve public convenience.

According to an official notification, the free transport facility will be available on February 6, 7, and 8 during Basant events across the city. Under the initiative, citizens and tourists will be able to use free rickshaw and cab services to reach kite-flying spots, cultural programs, and other festivities safely and comfortably.

Officials said the move is designed to reduce traffic pressure, address parking issues, and discourage the use of private vehicles and motorcycles during peak celebration hours. Authorities added that both local residents and foreign tourists visiting Lahore for Basant will benefit from the service.

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) stated that under the agreement, the two companies will collectively provide around 180,000 free rides, with each ride covering a distance of up to 8 kilometers at no cost. Both rickshaws and cabs will be included in the service.

In the initial phase, nearly 6,000 rickshaws and about 60,000 cab rides will operate on 24 major routes across Lahore. Passengers will be able to book rides through mobile applications or hail vehicles directly from the streets.

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Interestingly, the Punjab government will not make any direct financial payment to the companies. Instead, InDrive and Yango will be allowed special advertising and branding rights at key roads, intersections, and public spaces.

Meanwhile, free bus services, including metro buses, the Orange Line, electric buses, and 500 regular buses, will also operate during Basant. Detailed routes and pickup points will be announced soon.