2 min read
Lahore: Lahore has officially launched its first batch of 27 electric buses, marking a major step toward eco-friendly public transport in Pakistan. In a ceremony led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the new fleet was introduced to operate on the city’s longest route, running from the Railway Station to Green Town.
The latest electric buses come packed with cutting-edge features, offering GPS tracking, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and accessibility options for passengers with disabilities, including ramps and special seating arrangements.
Each bus can accommodate up to 80 passengers, with 30 seats available, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience for all commuters. There will be 27 electric buses running along a 21-km route that connects the Railway Station to Green Town, passing through Queens Road, Mozang, Ferozepur Road, Campus Bridge, and Ichhra Canal.
The service aims to carry 17,000 passengers each day, with an official public launch scheduled for mid-February. Buses are scheduled to arrive every nine minutes, and 42 contemporary bus shelters will be installed along the route.
Nine charging stations have been set up at the Green Town Hamdard Chowk depot to enhance the fleet’s capabilities. The buses can travel up to 250 km on a single charge, enabling them to finish four complete routes before needing to recharge. A designated area for women will be established, and cameras for surveillance will be put in place to deter harassment.
A mobile application will enable real-time tracking, allowing passengers to pay fares using digital wallets and transport cards, alongside the introduction of universal transport cards. The training process for 70 electric bus drivers is currently in progress.
Chief Minister also examined the features inside the inaugural electric buses when she visited the launch event in Lahore. Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar gave an extensive briefing about the pilot project to outline the project’s major role in transforming the city’s transportation system.
The Chief Minister reviewed the e-taxi plans separately while directing personnel to assess the potential integration of solar fans and water coolers into bus stands for passenger comfort improvement.
As part of her directives she ordered the placement of Safe City cameras across every bus stand to boost security measures. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that private companies need to participate in constructing electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the city.
