The Government of Punjab has finalized an initial plan to launch a free urban bus service across the province, aiming to improve mobility in underserved areas and expand access to public transport.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where officials approved the rollout of the service in 17 districts currently lacking proper public transport systems.
As part of the first phase, pilot projects will be launched in:
- Gujranwala
- Multan
- Sialkot
These cities will help test the operational model before expanding the service to other districts.
Under the proposed framework, buses will be operated by private companies on a rental basis, with payments made by the government on a per-kilometer, performance-linked system.
Each bus will be required to operate between 100 to 200 kilometers daily, while no compensation will be provided for travel beyond the set limit.
Officials said that private operators will bear all operational expenses, including fuel, drivers, and maintenance, while the government will ensure weekly payments based on verified performance.
In a major relief for commuters, the service will be completely free of cost, with no fares charged from passengers.
Routes will be designed based on passenger demand and local transport needs, ensuring efficient coverage in each district.
Authorities revealed that around 1,000 buses are expected to be deployed under the model, marking one of the largest public transport expansions in the province.
The initiative is aimed at reducing transport inequality, easing daily commuting, and improving connectivity in areas where public transport options are currently limited.
