Authorities have moved to dispel growing uncertainty around the e-Transit e-wallet and T-Cash Card after inaccurate narratives gained traction online, leaving many commuters unsure about how they would pay for public transport.
Officials said the clarification was necessary to counter rumors suggesting an abrupt or compulsory shift to digital payments, which they described as incorrect and misleading.
e-Transit Wallet Is Optional, Not Mandatory
The government has stressed that the e-Transit e-wallet is an optional facility rather than a compulsory requirement for using public transport.
Existing payment methods remain valid, and passengers are not being asked to abandon physical cards or cash-based options where those are still in use.
The T-Cash Card continues to function under the same framework as before, and no immediate transition to a mobile wallet is required to access buses or mass transit services.
Part of a Gradual Transport Digitization Plan
The clarification comes as Pakistan pushes ahead with efforts to modernize urban mobility and reduce reliance on cash.
Officials emphasized that the e-Transit system is being introduced in phases as part of a broader transport digitization strategy, not as a sudden policy shift. Pilot deployments and gradual expansion are intended to ensure technical stability while giving commuters time to adapt.
Addressing Commuter Concerns and Accessibility
The statement also aims to reassure passengers who feared that access to public transport could soon depend on smartphones or digital literacy. Concerns had been especially pronounced among elderly commuters and those without consistent access to mobile technology.
Transport authorities acknowledged these worries and reiterated that inclusivity remains central to the rollout, with no group expected to be excluded during the transition.
