Starting this Sunday, Islamabad commuters will experience an Islamabad electric bus fare increase, as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) doubles the fare from Rs50 to Rs100 per ride. This fare hike for Islamabad electric buses affects the Orange, Green, and Blue bus lines, which serve major routes in the city.
Why Did the Fare Increase?
The CDA said the hike is necessary due to rising financial and operational costs. Running electric buses costs a lot. Currently, CDA pays around Rs350 per kilometer to its contractor, the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC). Although CDA owns 160 electric buses, only about 120 are active because the city lacks enough charging stations. To fix this, CDA is building a new charging depot at Zero Point, which will increase the fleet’s availability.
Impact on Commuters
Doubling the fare may upset daily riders. However, the CDA stresses that this move aims to maintain quality service. Despite the price rise, CDA will still subsidize the service heavily, offering nearly Rs2.79 billion annually, down from Rs3.66 billion before. This subsidy helps keep fares affordable.
Discount Plans for Riders
The CDA understands commuter concerns and plans to offer discount packages. These packages will benefit students, office workers, and senior citizens. Soon, commuters can buy daily, weekly, or monthly passes at reduced rates. Furthermore, the CDA plans to introduce bus cards to give regular passengers additional discounts.
Improving Public Transport
Currently, CDA’s electric buses serve over 85,000 people daily. They help reduce traffic congestion in this fast-growing city. However, many complain about the lack of bus stops and unclear signage. To improve this, CDA will add route information to Google Maps soon. This addition will help passengers plan trips easily.
What’s Next for Islamabad?
The CDA aims to expand its electric bus fleet and improve the public transport system. Since Islamabad’s population is rising rapidly, these changes are essential for a sustainable future.
