By The Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA) has announced a significant increase in fares for Metro Bus services operating in major cities across Punjab, raising travel costs for thousands of daily commuters. The revised fares will take effect from March 26, 2026, marking the latest adjustment aimed at addressing rising operational expenses.
According to officials, the authority has increased the fare by Rs10 across all Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes. This change represents roughly a 33 percent increase in the cost of travel on these public transport systems.
New Metro Bus Fare in Punjab
Under the updated fare structure, passengers traveling on the Red Metro Bus lines in major cities will now pay Rs40 per trip. The increase applies to the metro bus systems in:
- Lahore
- Rawalpindi
- Multan
These BRT networks serve hundreds of thousands of passengers daily and are considered among the most affordable and efficient public transport options in the province.
The fare revision is part of the government’s effort to cope with increasing costs related to fuel, maintenance, and system operations. Authorities say maintaining service quality and operational sustainability has become challenging without adjusting fares.
Relief for Frequent Commuters
To reduce the financial impact on regular travelers, PMTA has introduced a discounted fare option for passengers using the Green Transport Card.
Commuters using this card will be able to travel for Rs25 per trip, offering a Rs15 discount compared to the new standard fare. Officials say the initiative is designed to support daily commuters such as students, workers, and office employees who rely heavily on the metro bus system for affordable transportation.
The Green Transport Card program is expected to encourage more riders to shift toward digital or card-based fare systems while also providing relief from the fare hike.
Impact on Daily Passengers
Despite the discount option, the fare increase is expected to place additional financial pressure on many regular passengers, particularly those who depend on public transport for daily travel. For many commuters, even a small increase in fares can significantly affect monthly transportation budgets.
However, transport authorities maintain that the adjustment is necessary to keep the BRT system operational and ensure continued service reliability in Punjab’s major cities.
With the fare increase scheduled to take effect later this month, commuters are encouraged to obtain the Green Transport Card to benefit from the discounted rate and reduce their daily travel expenses.
Disclaimer: Transport fares and policies may change based on government decisions. Passengers are advised to check with the Punjab Mass Transit Authority for the latest updates before traveling.
