Great news is on the horizon for commuters in the capital. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to significantly reduce waiting times for electric buses across Islamabad. This decision follows a massive surge in popularity, as the service’s ridership recently crossed the 100,000 mark.
To meet this growing demand, the CDA plans to accelerate the expansion of its fleet. Consequently, daily travel is about to get much faster and more convenient for thousands of citizens.
The most exciting update for passengers is the change in bus frequency. According to CDA officials, the authority will increase the number of buses on both short and long routes.
Previously, passengers on longer routes faced a wait of 30 to 45 minutes. Now, the CDA plans to slash this interval down to just 15 minutes. Furthermore, the frequency on city routes will improve significantly. Buses that currently run every 15 minutes will soon arrive every 10 minutes. This enhancement ensures better accessibility and uninterrupted service for the public.
To support these new timelines, the CDA has formally requested the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) to provide 60 additional electric buses. The NRTC will now seek approval from the concerned ministry to procure these new vehicles.
Currently, the CDA pays the NRTC on a per-kilometre basis to operate the fleet. The service has grown rapidly since its launch in December 2024. While the CDA initially planned for 13 routes, the overwhelming demand forced them to expand. Today, the electric bus service successfully operates on 18 routes across Islamabad, cementing its place as a key pillar of the city’s sustainable transport strategy.