Fares revealed for Lahore’s electric bus service

Fares revealed for Lahore’s electric bus service

In a significant stride towards sustainable urban transportation, Lahore has unveiled its first fully operational electric bus service. This initiative, inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on February 19, 2025, aims to provide eco-friendly and affordable transit options for the city's residents.

Affordable Fare Structure

The electric bus service offers a budget-friendly fare system to encourage widespread use. Passengers can travel with fares starting at Rs20, with the maximum fare capped at Rs35. This competitive pricing is designed to make daily commutes more economical for the public. Additionally, the government has announced complimentary travel for specific groups:

• Students: Recognizing the importance of education, students can commute free of charge upon presenting a valid student identification.

• Senior Citizens: Individuals aged 65 and above are eligible for free travel, acknowledging their contributions to society.

• Persons with Disabilities: To promote inclusivity, persons with disabilities are granted free access to the bus service.

These provisions aim to alleviate transportation costs for vulnerable groups, ensuring equitable access to the city's transit system.

Modern Amenities and Accessibility

The fleet comprises 27 state-of-the-art electric buses, each equipped with modern facilities to enhance passenger comfort and safety:

• Free Wi-Fi: Passengers can stay connected during their journey with complimentary internet access.

• USB Charging Ports: Each seat is equipped with USB ports, allowing commuters to charge their devices on the go.

• GPS Tracking: Real-time tracking ensures punctuality and allows passengers to plan their trips efficiently.

• CCTV Surveillance: To enhance security, buses are fitted with cameras, deterring misconduct and ensuring a safe environment, especially for women and children.

• Accessibility Features: Buses are designed with ramps and designated seating to accommodate persons with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable ride for all.

Operational Routes and Frequency

The electric buses operate on a 21-kilometer route, the city's longest, stretching from the Railway Station to Green Town. This route covers key areas including Queens Road, Mozang, Ferozepur Road, and the Punjab University Campus Bridge. To facilitate smooth operations, nine specialized charging stations have been established at the Green Town Hamdard Chowk depot. Each bus boasts a range of 250 kilometers on a single charge, capable of completing the route multiple times daily. Buses are scheduled to arrive at intervals of every nine minutes, aiming to serve approximately 17,000 passengers daily.

Payment Methods and Future Developments

To streamline the payment process, the service supports multiple fare collection methods:

• Digital Wallets and Cards: Passengers can pay fares using digital wallets and cards, promoting a cashless and efficient system.

• Universal Transport Cards: Plans are underway to introduce universal transport cards, allowing seamless transfers across different modes of public transport.

• Mobile Application: A dedicated app is in development to provide features such as bus tracking, route information, and digital payments, enhancing user convenience.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The introduction of electric buses is a strategic move to combat urban pollution and reduce the city's carbon footprint. By transitioning to electric-powered public transport, Lahore aims to improve air quality and promote environmental sustainability. Moreover, the project is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in bus manufacturing, operations, and maintenance sectors.

Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the electric bus fleet significantly. An additional 500 buses are expected to be operational across Punjab by August 2025. Collaborations with local manufacturers in Faisalabad and potential investments from Chinese companies are underway to support this expansion. This growth aims to extend eco-friendly transportation solutions to other cities, including Faisalabad and Bahawalpur, fostering a province-wide network of sustainable public transit.

The launch of Lahore's electric bus service marks a pivotal step towards modernizing the city's public transportation infrastructure. By prioritizing affordability, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, this initiative sets a precedent for future urban mobility projects in Pakistan.