Islamabad Metro Bus Fare Doubled: New Rates Effective from May 26, 2025

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has officially announced a revised fare structure for the Islamabad Metro Bus Service, doubling the price from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100. The new fares, which take effect on May 26, 2025, apply to all major routes, including the Orange Line, Green Line, Blue Line, and Electric Vehicle (EV) feeder services.

According to the public notice issued by the CDA, the updated ticket prices are as follows:

• Orange Line Metro Bus (Faizabad to N-5): Rs. 100
• Green Line Feeder Route (PIMS to Bhara Kahu): Rs. 100
• Blue Line Feeder Route (PIMS to Gulberg Terminal): Rs. 100
• EV Feeder Routes within Islamabad: Rs. 100

Previously, all these services operated under a flat fare of Rs. 50 per ride, making the Metro Bus a popular and affordable mode of transportation for thousands of daily commuters.

However, the announcement has sparked frustration among residents and regular passengers, many of whom rely on the metro system for cost-effective travel across the capital. Several citizens have voiced their concerns on social media and in public forums, urging the authorities to reconsider or phase in the price increase more gradually.

The CDA has justified the fare hike by citing rising operational costs, although detailed financial data or further explanation has not yet been made public. With the city’s growing dependency on public transportation, critics argue that such a steep increase could push low-income commuters toward less sustainable or more expensive alternatives.

As Islamabad continues to expand its transport infrastructure, the fare hike underscores the challenge of balancing financial sustainability with the need for accessible urban mobility. Citizens and civil society groups are now calling for greater transparency and stakeholder engagement in future transit policy decisions.

To address public backlash, transportation analysts suggest that the government consider introducing subsidy programs or fare concessions for students, senior citizens, and low-income groups. Such targeted relief could help offset the burden on vulnerable commuters while still allowing the Metro Bus system to recover a portion of its operational costs. Experts also emphasize the need for improved service quality, including better scheduling, maintenance, and safety standards, to justify the increased fare and maintain commuter trust in Islamabad’s public transit system.

Afsheen Gohar

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