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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Shortage of bus shelters strains commuters
Listen to article For people travelling in a car, bus stops are just another space for flashy hoardings hence the availability or shortage of facilities would rarely be a concern. But for people travelling daily through public transport, the little box at the edge of the road can turn into a death trap during the summer heat. Although the Punjab Transport Company has initiated a plan to construct modern bus shelters with a budget of Rs16 million, both experts and citizens agree that these efforts are far too limited and slow-moving to meet the needs of a mega city like Lahore. According to the Punjab Transport Company (PTC), there are only 194 proper bus shelters across the city, with an additional 600 temporary stops (flag posts). Many of these shelters have limited seating capacity. Commuters in busy areas like Allama Iqbal Road, Egerton Road, Circular Road, and various sections of GT Road often complain about the lack or complete absence of shelters. One passenger lamented that people were forced to stand under the sun or rain, often having to take refuge in nearby shops. A young commuter, Fahad complained that even the Metro Bus waiting area had no roof for shielding passengers from the heat. Similarly, Muhammad Irfan, a resident of Shahdara, disclosed that the shelters lacked seating, were dirty, and had advertisement boards that further restricted passenger space. Fatima Batool, a daily commuter from Mughalpura to Model Town, revealed that she often had to wait for buses under the sun, and even when there was a shelter, it was so small that only a few people could fit inside. Likewise, Ayesha Nawaz, a student from Model Town, complained that in many areas, it was not even clear where the bus would stop. 'Shelters should at least offer drinking water, lighting, and secure waiting areas for women,' said Nawaz. According to urban planners, a city like Lahore needs more bus shelters to protect commuters from extreme weather and to manage heavy passenger loads. An official from the Punjab Transport Authority confirmed that even today, Lahore urgently needed 1,200 to 1,500 new bus stop shelters. Experts believe that the growing population and increasing number of vehicles have put immense pressure on urban infrastructure, yet no comprehensive planning has been seen to improve the number and quality of bus shelters. Dr Obaidullah Nadeem, Professor of City and Regional Planning at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, explained that when building shelters, it was essential to consider the location, traffic flow, and passenger volume. 'Shelters should be constructed slightly away from the road so that when a bus stops, it doesn't disrupt regular traffic. Modern shelters should include solar-powered lighting, digital timetables, and strong roofing to protect commuters from extreme weather. Even if not digital, there should be clear displays to help guide passengers on route information,' suggested Dr Nadeem. On the other hand, a spokesperson for the Punjab Transport Company, claimed that the government had not only improved existing shelters but also had plans to build 200 more bus shelters in the upcoming fiscal year. Among them, 50 will be constructed with a modern design, featuring separate waiting areas for men and women, a small tuck shop and Wi-Fi facilities.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CM for digital payment system for public transport
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over a special meeting in which a detailed review was taken regarding Transport Department and Mass Transit Authority. The meeting decided to introduce a digital payment system for Metro Bus and Orange Line in Punjab. It was informed in the meeting that the token system will be abolished in Orange Line train and Metro Bus and a Barcode system will be introduced through card-based payment. Fare can be paid through credit card, debit card/ATM card and mobile account app. Fare can also be paid through NFC i.e. card tap and touch in the mass transit system. Fare can be paid only through credit card and debit card on Metro Bus in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The token system will be abolished soon by implementing an e-payment system in Lahore's Orange Line train. Fare can be paid through credit card, debit card, payment apps on Lahore's Orange Line train. The meeting also decided to introduce a single card for the mass transit system across the province. The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the T-Cash card for the mass transit system. Travel on every metro bus or Orange Line across the province will be possible through the T-Cash card system. A separate card will be introduced for students in the mass transit system. The chief minister also gave in-principle approval for recruitment to technical posts from grade 5 to 18 in the transport department. The meeting agreed to introduce electric rickshaws as an alternative to motorcycle rickshaws. The chief minister has sought suggestions and recommendations for the electric rickshaw project. She also gave in-principle approval to organize the first-ever international transport expo in Punjab. She also announced the introduction of a single comprehensive RFID sticker for all matters related to vehicles. Secretary Transport Imran Sikandar Baloch gave a detailed briefing on the Yellow Line Lahore-Gujranwala BRT. It was apprised in the briefing that the supply of electric buses in the districts of Punjab will start from August. The meeting also reviewed the design and colour recommendations of prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore. The work of installing 50 prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore will start soon. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Digital transport fare system planned
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided to introduce a digital payment system for Metro Bus and Orange Line transport in the province. She was presiding over a meeting related to the transport department and Mass Transit Authority, in which she was informed that the token system in the Orange Line train and Metro Bus would be abolished and a barcode system would be introduced for card-based payment. In the planned system, the fare can be paid through credit, debit and ATM cards, as well as mobile account applications. Payment through near field communication (NFC) cards will also be enabled in the mass transit system in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The token system will be abolished soon for implementing the e-payment system in Lahore's Orange Line train to enable fare payment through cards and apps. It was also decided in the meeting to introduce a single card for the mass transit system across the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the T-Cash card for the mass transit system. Travel on every Metro Bus or Orange Line train across the province will be possible through the card. A separate card will be introduced for students. The chief minister also gave approval in principle for recruitment to technical posts from grade 5 to 18 in the transport department. The participants of the meeting agreed to introduce electric rickshaws as an alternative to motorcycle rickshaws. The chief minister sought suggestions for the electric rickshaw project. She also approved in principle a proposal to organise the first international transport expo in Punjab. The chief minister announced the introduction of a comprehensive radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker for all matters related to vehicles. Punjab Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch gave a detailed briefing on the Yellow Line Lahore-Gujranwala bus rapid transit (BRT) system. The participants were informed that the supply of electric buses in the districts of Punjab will would begin next month. The meeting also reviewed the design and colour recommendations of prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore. The installation 50 shelters will be initiated soon. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said in her message on World Day for International Justice that where justice was not served, darkness of oppression engulfed the entire society. "If there is no justice, development and prosperity remain an unfulfilled dream."
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Metro fare cut sparks funding debate
The recent rollback of the Metro Bus fare from Rs100 to Rs50, following public outcry and the prime minister's intervention, has offered immediate relief to thousands of commuters in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. But behind the applause lies a more complex challenge: how to sustain quality public transport while keeping it affordable for the masses. Initially, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) defended the 100% fare hike as a necessary response to rising fuel and maintenance costs. The aim was to maintain the Metro's standards, cleanliness, punctuality, air conditioning, and consistent service, which many consider superior to other public transport options. However, the sudden doubling of fares triggered backlash from students, daily-wage earners, and elderly citizens who rely on the Metro for their essential travel. "I spend Rs3,000 a month just commuting to work," said Ghulam Abbas, a construction worker. "That's a major hit to my grocery budget." Similarly, schoolgirl Asma shared with this scribe how she considered skipping lunch to manage travel costs. The government ultimately reversed the decision on June 5, reinstating the original Rs50 fare. Commuters welcomed the move, and for many, it reaffirmed faith in responsive governance. But this solution, while popular, raises an important question: can the Metro sustain quality service on its current fare model? Metro drivers, too, expressed concerns, not just about wages, which remained unchanged, but about increasing frustration from both management and passengers. "The fare change came overnight," said driver Zahid Khan. "We didn't get more pay, and now we're blamed when people are angry about delays or crowded buses. From a sustainability standpoint, experts argue that rather than doubling fares in one go, a phased or incremental approach would have been more practical and politically acceptable. "Even a Rs10-20 quarterly increase, spread over time, would be easier for people to absorb and for the authority to justify," noted a senior urban transport planner. While affordability is vital, especially during times of inflation, so is the long-term health of the transit system. A sharp rollback without any adjustment plan may risk underfunding maintenance, delaying upgrades, or cutting services in the future. Already, questions are being raised about whether buses will continue to be as clean, on time, and safe if funding gaps widen. Senior citizens like Rukhsana Bibi, who travel regularly for medical needs, suggested middle-ground solutions. "Maybe there could be concession passes for students, pensioners, and laborers, while others could pay slightly more." Such targeted subsidies could help balance the financial model without punishing the most vulnerable riders. Raziq Ali, who travels daily from Jinnah Garden to Islamabad G-7, and Hasnain Raza, a frequent commuter from Gulberg Greens, both agree that the Metro Bus is an affordable and comfortable option. However, they warned that a sudden 100% fare increase would push many to switch to bikes, which are cheaper but come with safety risks and are uncomfortable in bad weather. A gradual, balanced fare increase, aligned with inflation, fuel costs, and service improvements, can ensure the Metro's long-term sustainability without burdening commuters. This would help maintain vehicle conditions, service quality, and fair employee pay.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Uprooted businesses await monetary relief
While mass transit projects are the need of the hour given the seasonal smog crisis plaguing the province, they are often a source of huge financial losses for thousands of local businessmen, who are suddenly left without a source of income. For instance, Naeem Aamir, a businessman uprooted during the construction of the Metro Bus, revealed that he had inherited several shops alongside the Ferozepur Road. However, even after the passage of several years, he was still struggling to receive the promised compensation. 'The monetary compensation given by the government is like salt in flour. Even today, we have to plead for our money and have almost become shuttlecocks between the development agency and the project,' claimed Aamir. Similarly, Riaz Ahmed, a small trader, who used to own a shop in Anarkali, was uprooted during the construction of the Orange Metro Train Station. 'I used to work as a used-cloth merchant and owned a small shop. The government did not offer proper compensation for my loss. Money was only given for the land, while no relief was given for the damage to my business, which had to be shut down eventually. Even today, I am making rounds of various government offices to get some help,' explained Ahmed. As per information obtained by the Express Tribune, more than 22 underpasses, 17 flyovers, a ring road spanning more than 100 kilometers in length, a 28-kilometer Orange Line train and a 27-kilometer Metro Bus have been constructed in Lahore, the largest city of the province during the past two decades. While these projects have resulted in development work worth trillions of rupees, they have also caused financial hardship for hundreds of families. According to Sohail Hanif Bhandara, an urban developer, the government has a reputation of giving stepmother treatment to the business community and residential areas during the construction of big development projects. 'Although big business entities are paid well, small businesses are often neglected. Therefore, before starting any big development project, efforts should be made to bypass areas with small businesses or mini residential schemes on the route. This process will not only reduce the cost of the project but will also ensure that the common man is not affected,' implored Bhandara. On the other hand, Rai Nasir Jamil, a land acquisition collector, claimed that whenever the government acquired any land, it first evaluated the value of the land and then offered compensation to businesses as per the government's standard formula. 'The standard formula is that whenever a project affecting residential, urban and rural populations is announced, the cost of the project is calculated only after determining its parameters. Sometimes there are irregularities in the valuation. But this can be settled by the complainant later on,' said Jamil. As per the claims of the government, a special package was given to underprivileged families who had been living on the land of various government departments for more than 60 years and did not have ownership rights. Families living in one room in a multi-storey building were given assistance of Rs1 million per household. Land compensation for residential houses located in Kapoorthala House, Kacha Lake Road and Edward Road was Rs.2.5 million per marla, while the compensation for commercial land was Rs3.5 million per marla. One hundred families were living in the Bengali Building while 58 families were living in the Maharaja Building.
