Capital expands public transport with 160 new electric buses
Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives, significant progress has been made to enhance public transport in the federal capital by introducing 160 new electric buses across various routes.
The first phase saw the arrival of 30 out of the 160 electric buses in Karachi on Wednesday. According to sources, these buses will provide modern and high-standard travel facilities to Islamabad residents. Eight buses have already been delivered to the charging point at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, with charging processes underway. The remaining 22 buses are expected to arrive today (Thursday).
Initially, these 30 buses will operate on two routes. On the first route, the busses will operate from NUST University Stop to Orange Line Depot, G-11 to PIMS Hospital. The bus will travel via G-11 Markaz, G-10 Markaz, G-9 Markaz, and G-8, with a total of 13 stops. A bus will reach each stop every 10 minutes.
On the second route, the busses will operate from PIMS to Bari Imam, passing through G-7, G-6, Melody, Abpara, Ataturk Road, Serena Hotel, Foreign Office, Radio Pakistan, and Diplomatic Enclave. This service will be available from 6am to 10pm.
Sources also revealed that, under the instructions of the CDA chairman and Islamabad chief commissioner, a subsidy programme is being developed for deserving sections of society, including persons with disabilities, students and others. The chairman has directed the concerned officers to devise this procedure and report back for final approval.
This initiative aims to provide efficient, eco-friendly public transportation and improve commuting conditions for Islamabad’s residents.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2024