By The Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA) is finalizing a proposal to revise fares for Lahore’s major public transportation systems, including the Orange Line Metro Train, Lahore Metro Bus (Green Line), and feeder bus routes. The adjustment is being considered in response to increasing operational and maintenance costs that have significantly strained the provincial transport budget.
According to official sources, a working paper detailing the fare adjustments will be presented during the upcoming PMA board meeting. If approved, the proposal will be forwarded to the Punjab Chief Minister through the Transport Department for final authorization.
Proposed Fare Adjustments
The revised fare structure under consideration includes:
| Service | Current Fare | Proposed Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Bus (Green Line) | Rs. 30 | Rs. 40 |
| Orange Line Metro Train | Rs. 45 | Rs. 50 |
| Feeder/Speedo Bus Routes | +Rs. 5 increase | (Varies per route) |
The increase is aimed at balancing the growing gap between fare revenue and operational expenses.
Heavy Subsidy Burden on the Government
The Punjab government currently allocates an annual subsidy of Rs. 21 billion to sustain mass transit operations in:
- Lahore
- Rawalpindi–Islamabad
- Multan
However, fare collection presently contributes only 24% of total operational and maintenance costs. The remaining over 75% is covered directly by the government. Officials noted that in previous years, fare recovery accounted for approximately 32% of expenses, but this ratio has declined due to higher fuel, electricity, and maintenance costs.
A senior PMA official remarked that maintaining high-quality transit services has become increasingly difficult without adjusting fares. “Operational costs have increased across the board. Without revising the fare structure, the sustainability of Lahore’s mass transit system is at risk,” the official noted.
Potential Impact on Commuters
The proposed fare hike is expected to affect:
- Students
- Daily wage earners
- Office workers
- Low-income households who rely heavily on public transport
While the increase aims to reduce the government’s financial burden, it may place additional strain on Lahore’s urban commuters who are already facing rising fuel and inflation costs.
What Happens Next?
- The PMA board will review and likely approve the fare adjustment working paper.
- The proposal will then be submitted to the Punjab Chief Minister for final approval.
- If approved, the new fares will be implemented across Lahore’s public transportation network within weeks.
Disclaimer
The fare rates and policy decisions mentioned are based on currently available information and may change following the official PMA board and government approvals. Commuters should follow updates from the Punjab Transport Department for final notifications.
