By Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the Punjab Transport Company (PTC) headquarters along with the Electric Vehicle (EV) Command and Control Centre, marking a major step toward strengthening environmentally friendly public transport across the province. During her visit, the chief minister directed officials to accelerate the expansion of the Punjab electric bus project to meet rising passenger demand.
The chief minister reviewed several state-of-the-art facilities at the centre, including an automated bus washing plant that recycles water and a high-capacity charging station capable of fully charging an electric bus within 105 minutes using Yutong’s 160-kilowatt charging system. She emphasized the need for innovation and sustainability in Punjab’s public transport infrastructure.
Shift to Solar Power and New Electric Bus Routes
Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to transition the electric bus charging system to solar energy, reducing operational costs and further lowering carbon emissions. She also directed officials to identify and introduce new routes for green electric buses across major urban and suburban areas of Punjab.
Seeking a clear roadmap, the chief minister asked for a detailed timeline for the induction of 1,500 additional electric buses into the existing fleet. She also ordered improved arrangements at high-demand stops where passengers currently face long waiting times, ensuring smoother and more efficient service.
Carbon Credits and Metro Bus Expansion
The chief minister further directed relevant departments to claim carbon credits under the Green Bus Project, highlighting the financial and environmental benefits of the initiative. She also stressed that metro bus projects in Faisalabad and Gujranwala should be launched at the earliest to improve urban mobility in these cities.
Millions Benefiting from Punjab’s Electric Bus Service
Punjab Transport Company CEO Kausar Khan informed the chief minister that over 15.5 million passengers have used electric buses so far. These include 3.8 million women, 1.5 million students, 750,000 senior citizens, and 300,000 persons with disabilities, many of whom are benefiting from free travel facilities.
In addition, the transport company has introduced tuck shops at e-bus stations, providing business opportunities to widows and divorced women. So far, 10 such facilities have been established at Lahore bus stops.
Clean, Safe, and Inclusive Public Transport
Praising bus staff for assisting passengers with special needs, Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab electric bus project is setting new passenger records while offering safe and comfortable travel, particularly for women and children. Officials believe the initiative is significantly reducing pollution while promoting modern, inclusive, and eco-friendly public transport across Punjab.
