LAHORE: The Punjab government has unveiled a plan to introduce a free public bus service throughout the province, aiming to enhance transportation accessibility and affordability for residents.
The initiative involves deploying approximately 1,000 privately operated buses on a rental basis. These private operators will be compensated based on the distance traveled, with payments linked to performance metrics.
Under the proposed scheme, each bus is expected to cover a minimum of 100 kilometers daily, with the maximum distance eligible for reimbursement capped at 200 kilometers. No additional payments will be provided for routes exceeding this limit. Route planning will focus on areas with high passenger demand and underserved regions to ensure efficient coverage.
Operators will be responsible for all ope rational expenses, including driver wages, fuel, and maintenance. The government will oversee weekly payments to ensure consistent service delivery, and commuters will travel free of charge, as the entire system will be subsidized by the government.
This project aims to provide reliable and cost-free transportation to residents, supporting the government’s broader efforts to improve urban mobility.
