The Speedo bus service that connects Bahawalpur and Lodhran has once again been halted, this time due to unpaid arrears reportedly worth millions of rupees. The suspension has left thousands of daily commuters — including students, workers, and residents — struggling to find affordable transportation.
Reason Behind the Suspension
According to the operating company, the decision was made after the Punjab transport authorities failed to clear pending dues and renew the payment agreement. Without financial settlement, the company announced that services would remain suspended indefinitely.
A Service with a History of Disruptions
The Speedo bus service, introduced during the tenure of former Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz, became a lifeline for commuters due to its air-conditioned buses and subsidized fare of just Rs20 per trip. However, the project has faced repeated suspensions in recent years — almost always linked to delayed payments from the provincial government.
Each time, public outcry and protests forced temporary restorations. Now, with the suspension happening once more, concerns are growing about the service’s future.
Impact on Students and Workers
The suspension is particularly hard on students and laborers in Lodhran, who rely heavily on the affordable transport service for education and employment. Many commuters fear increased travel costs and reduced accessibility if the service is permanently discontinued.
An official from the bus operating company has warned that unless dues are cleared soon, the fleet may be permanently shifted to Lahore, leaving Lodhran residents without this essential facility.
Public Appeals for Government Intervention
Local commuters have appealed directly to the Chief Minister of Punjab to intervene and ensure continuity of the service. Without government action, many believe the suspension could turn permanent, depriving the region of its most reliable public transport option.
The repeated halts in the Speedo bus service Bahawalpur Lodhran highlight a larger issue of sustainable public transport funding in Punjab. Unless authorities resolve financial disputes swiftly, thousands of students and workers will continue to suffer from disrupted mobility and higher transportation costs.
Disclaimer: This article is based on currently available reports. Details regarding dues and government action may change. Commuters are advised to check for official updates from the Punjab Transport Department.
Afsheen Gohar is a seasoned writer with a wealth of experience in crafting authentic and well-researched articles. Her dedication to delivering high-quality content is evident in her work, where she combines a passion for storytelling with a commitment to accuracy and depth. Afsheen’s writing reflects her ability to engage readers with compelling narratives while providing valuable insights on a diverse range of topics.
