Double-decker bus service rolled out
The latest tourist attraction for the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, a double-decker bus service, kicked off on Sunday with a tour of the twin cities for specially-abled children
On the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) in coordination with the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) formally inaugurated the service at the Allama Iqbal Park.
Addressing the ceremony, Advisor to Punjab CM for Horticulture and Tourism Asif Mehmood congratulated the residents of the twin cities that the double-decker bus service has started.
He explained that the objective of the service was to promote tourism in the region. He added that the service will enable local and foreign tourists to enjoy the culture and scenery of the twin cities.
Mehmood added that the service will commence in earnest after the holy month of Muharram ends.
‘Double-decker bus to boost tourism’
Later, he joined the specially-abled children aboard the bus as it completed one circuit along its predetermined route around Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The special children, from different institutions, enjoyed the ride aboard the tourist bus service.
Earlier in August, the service had completed multiple trials runs to ensure there are no issues when it opens for tourists.
The main terminal of the double-decker tourist bus will be Allama Iqbal Park at Shamsabad. The bus would run from Allama Iqbal Park via Faizabad and cover Shakarparian, Lok Virsa, Chand Tara, China Complex, Rose and Jasmine Garden, Pak Secretariat and Shah Faisal Mosque before returning to the terminal via Zero Point.
Initially, only two double-decker buses will be operational and in the second phase, two more buses will be procured.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2020.