In response to rising petroleum product costs, local officials are considering raising metro bus rates, which will add to the misery of inhabitants already suffering from record inflation and bloated utility bills.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA), which operates three metro bus lines – the Orange, Green, and Blue Lines – is considering raising fares, but a final decision will be taken at the coming board meeting.
According to sources, there is a plan to raise the fare on the Blue and Green lines from Rs. 30 to Rs. 60, and the fare on the Orange Line from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100.
Proposal For Raising Fares of Metro Bus
“Yes, there is a proposal under consideration for increasing the fare of metro bus services. The proposal will be placed before the CDA board for a final decision,” said a board member.
He stated that the CDA has been subsidizing bus services and that an increase in prices was necessary for the services to run smoothly.
In addition to addressing the proposal, the member stated that the CDA planned to create commercial parking lots as well as some kiosks at bus stops to generate income for bus services.
The Orange Line connects Peshawar Mor to Islamabad International Airport, the Blue Line connects Koral to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), and the Green Line connects Bhara Kahu to Pims.
Because the city has no other government-owned bus service, the three services have garnered an enormous reaction from commuters.
CDA To Introduce New 160 Buses
Aside from the three lines, the CDA is finalizing plans to introduce 160 buses to operate on 13 additional routes through its official contractor, National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC).
According to a CDA official, the fleet of 30 electric buses would likely arrive in the capital within two months.
The official stated that 30 buses had been produced and that only the Artificial Intelligence (AI) work remained, which may take several weeks.
Because the majority of the equipment for these buses would be transported from Turkey to China. Once completed, these buses will depart from China towards Pakistan.
The remaining 130 buses, according to the official, will be delivered by the end of this year when the contractor transfers the funds to the Chinese manufacturer.
Previously, the payment had been delayed because the central bank had stopped LCs due to insufficient foreign exchange reserves. The funds would be transferred as soon as the LCs were established.
According to the agreement, the CDA will pay the NRTC between Rs. 306 and Rs. 331 per kilometer.
These 13 routes include Police Foundation/Orange Line Station to Red Line Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station in I-8; Allama Iqbal Station to Red Line Potohar Station; Pims to Secretariat; D-12 to G-10; F-11 to Red Line F-8 Station.
G-11 to Pims; Aabpara to Tramri Chowk; Nilor to Khanna Pul; Pirwadhai Chowk to Faizabad; B-17 to 26 Number Chungi; and I-16 to 26 Number.
To read our blog on “Pakistan Railways increase 10% in all trains fares,” click here.