The Punjab government has launched a special bus service for rural women to improve transportation access across the province. This initiative aims to tackle the long-standing issue of unreliable public transport in remote areas.
Under the plan, dedicated buses will run from each rural tehsil to the district headquarters. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also requested an inter-village transport plan to strengthen local connectivity.
The government is considering introducing a mass transit system with 25 buses for remote districts, to be rolled out in phases. Maryam Nawaz stressed the need for a reliable transport system, saying, “It is troubling to see rural women struggle with difficult travel conditions. A modern transport system is their right, and it will boost their confidence.”
Read more: Punjab Launches First Electric Bus Service in Lahore
She directed officials to provide immediate subsidies for female passengers and develop Punjab’s first-ever women’s transport solution. The new system will especially help students and those seeking medical care, making education and healthcare more accessible.
In another move, the Punjab government plans to introduce trackless electric buses as part of a sustainable public transport system. The provincial transport department has been asked to start preliminary trials for these buses.
During a recent meeting, Maryam Nawaz approved a five-year transport programme to modernise public transit infrastructure. Officials briefed her on the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, which operates successfully in places like Abu Dhabi, Malaysia and Qatar.
The ART system uses trackless electric buses that run on regular roads with dedicated lanes, avoiding the need for costly rail systems. These buses are more efficient and require less space than conventional metro buses in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan.
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