LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz formally inaugurated Lahore’s first electric bus service on Friday, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban transport.
During the launch, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar briefed the CM on the pilot project, highlighting the modern features of the electric buses, including GPS tracking, Wi-Fi, USB ports, and an anti-slip floor for passenger safety. Each bus has a 30-seat capacity, accommodating up to 80 passengers at a time, with designated spaces and ramps for differently-abled commuters.
Key Features of Lahore’s E-Bus Service
Range: Each bus can travel 250km per charge, completing its route four times on a single charge.
Charging Infrastructure: Nine charging stations have been set up at Green Town Hamdard Chowk Depot.
Route Details: A total of 27 electric buses will operate on a 21km route from Railway Station to Green Town, covering Queens Road, Mozang, Ferozepur Road, and PU Campus Bridge.
Commuter Capacity: The service is expected to cater to 17,000 passengers daily.
Safety Measures: CCTV cameras will be installed to ensure security and prevent harassment incidents.
Convenience: Buses will arrive every nine minutes, with digital fare payment options, universal transport cards, and a mobile tracking app for commuters.
Infrastructure and Future Plans
To support the service, 42 state-of-the-art bus shelters are under construction along the route, with the full-scale operation set to begin by mid-February. The CM also directed authorities to install solar fans and water coolers at bus stops and integrate Safe City cameras at each station.
E-Taxi Initiative in Punjab
Later, presiding over a meeting on the e-taxi scheme, the CM instructed officials to explore local assembly of electric taxis in Punjab and develop charging stations in collaboration with the private sector.
The initiative aligns with Punjab’s vision for eco-friendly and efficient public transport, reducing carbon emissions while enhancing commuter convenience.
