Punjab adds women-only buses to Metro service
The Punjab Transport and Mass Transit Department has introduced special buses for women on the Metro Bus network as part of efforts to provide safer and more comfortable public transportation.
According to provincial authorities, five Speedo buses have been deployed on Metro Bus routes and are now operating exclusively for female passengers. The initiative aims to reduce overcrowding and address concerns about harassment during peak travel hours.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said the decision was taken to ensure women can travel with greater confidence and convenience. He added that the move follows directives from the Punjab government to improve public transport services for women.
The minister stated that the temporary use of Speedo buses will help meet immediate demand while authorities work on acquiring additional Metro buses in the future. Once new vehicles are purchased, more buses will be reserved for women commuters.
Bilal Akbar Khan also rejected reports suggesting that Metro Bus operations had been affected by the decision. He clarified that no Metro buses have been removed from service and that the overall fleet size has not been reduced.
Officials said the additional buses are intended to make daily travel safer for women, particularly during rush hours when passenger numbers are at their highest.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the Punjab government to improve public transport accessibility and enhance passenger safety. Authorities believe the women-only service will encourage more women to use public transport for work, education and other daily activities.
Transport officials said the performance of the new service will be monitored and further improvements may be introduced based on passenger feedback and travel demand.