The Punjab government has announced a significant reduction in public transport fares following the recent decrease in petrol and diesel prices, providing much-needed financial relief to passengers. This development marks the fifth consecutive fuel price cut by the federal government, with the new prices taking effect from October 1, 2024. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari confirmed the fare reductions, emphasizing the province’s consistent practice of lowering transport fares in response to fuel price changes.
Significant Fare Reductions Announced
Among the most notable fare reductions is the Rs. 190 cut on the Lahore-Karachi route, a move that directly benefits long-distance travelers. Other routes have also seen significant fare drops, with the Lahore-Peshawar route reduced by Rs. 50 and the Lahore-Rawalpindi route by Rs. 20. This effort by the provincial government is aimed at making travel more affordable for the general public, especially those who rely heavily on public transportation.
Passengers have already started to experience the benefits of these fare reductions, as district administration and transport department officials are actively monitoring their implementation. New fare boards displaying the updated rates are being installed at bus terminals across the province to ensure transparency and proper execution of the changes.
Commitment to Affordable Public Transport
Minister Bokhari expressed her gratitude to the transporters in Punjab for their cooperation in swiftly implementing the fare reductions. She highlighted that since Maryam Nawaz’s government took office, Punjab has maintained a proactive approach to adjusting public transport fares in line with fuel price changes. Bokhari urged other provinces to follow Punjab’s lead and reduce transport fares whenever fuel prices drop, making transportation more affordable for people across Pakistan.
Fuel Price Update
In a recent notification from the Finance Ministry, petrol prices were reduced by Rs. 2.07 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs. 247.03 per litre from the previous Rs. 249.10 per litre. Diesel prices saw an even greater reduction, with a drop of Rs. 3.40 per litre, setting the new price at Rs. 246.29 per litre compared to the earlier Rs. 249.69 per litre. These price reductions have paved the way for lower transport costs across the province.
Enhancing Public Transportation Services
In addition to fare reductions, the Punjab government is also focusing on improving the overall quality of public transportation. Steps have been taken to upgrade existing bus fleets, introduce new bus routes, and enhance the infrastructure supporting public transport. These efforts aim to make public transportation in Punjab more affordable, accessible, and reliable for passengers.
The government’s long-term goal is to create a public transportation system that caters to the needs of all citizens while keeping costs as low as possible. By reducing fares and investing in the public transport network, Punjab is setting a positive example for the rest of the country to follow.
With transport fares now reduced across key routes in Punjab, passengers can enjoy more affordable travel options, thanks to the provincial government’s timely response to fuel price cuts. Minister Azma Bokhari’s call for other provinces to adopt a similar approach underscores the importance of making public transportation accessible and budget-friendly for everyone.
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