If you use the Orange Line, Metro Bus, Speedo, or Electric Bus to get around every day, you might want to keep an eye on Monday. There is a good chance that the free ride you have been getting is not ending just yet.
Right now around 8 lac citizens across Punjab are benefiting from free public transport every single day. On the Orange Line train alone, approximately 290,000 passengers are traveling without paying a single rupee daily. More than one lac people are using the Metro Bus for free as well. The Transport Department has already sent its recommendation for a one month extension and the groundwork for it has been completed. The final call now sits with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who has called a meeting on Monday to make it official.
Free Public Transport in Punjab Will Remain Operational for Another Month
- The Transport Department has sent recommendations for an extension of the facility for another month
- Work in this regard has also been completed
- The final decision will be taken in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister
- A formal announcement is expected after the meeting
About the Proposal
- One more month of free travel will be provided on the Orange Line train
- Metro Bus service will also continue for one more month under the free travel facility
- Free travel will be extended for Speedo Bus and Electric Bus as well
Why This Facility Was Started
- The facility was started to provide relief to citizens due to the recent increase in prices of petroleum products
- Millions of people are benefiting from this facility every day
What Comes Next
- The Transport Department has recommended that this facility be gradually abolished when the prices of petroleum products return to normal
- The final decision will be taken in the meeting chaired by the Chief Minister
- A formal announcement is expected after that meeting
For millions of daily commuters this is not a small thing. Getting to work, school, or a hospital without worrying about fare money genuinely matters to a lot of families. Hopefully Monday brings the news they are waiting for.