Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday inaugurated Lahore’s first electric bus transport system, aiming to provide a more affordable and environmentally friendly commute.

Speaking at the launch, Maryam Nawaz said the initiative is part of her vision for a “Green Punjab.” She confirmed that 27 electric buses have arrived and set the fare at Rs. 20 to make public transport more accessible.

The new service will allow students, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals to travel for free using an electric bus card.

Passengers will also have access to free internet and charging facilities onboard.

Nawaz further announced plans to introduce 500 more electric buses by August and expand the Metrobus service to Faisalabad and Gujranwala in the next financial year.

Additionally, the government aims to provide 100,000 electric bikes to students as part of its transport modernisation drive.

Officials say the initiative is a step towards reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions, making Lahore’s public transport system more sustainable.

Moreover, Peshawar is set to expand its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service with the addition of 72 new hybrid diesel buses to meet growing demand and ease congestion in the city.

During a meeting chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, it was decided to launch BRT buses on new routes along Ring Road, Bara Road, and Khyber Road, Express News reported.

In this regard, 72 new diesel-hybrid buses will be purchased.

A six-month deadline has been set for completing the civil works required for the purchase of new buses and operation on these new routes.

The progress of the ongoing construction of plazas for the BRT system was also reviewed.

A briefing during the meeting revealed that the Mall of Hayatabad and the Dubgari Plaza, which are under construction, will be completed by the end of April.