Due to a shortage of funds and vehicles, the Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA) has had to discontinue a fast-paced metro bus service that was introduced last year.
Commuters are expressing dissatisfaction with the decision, emphasizing that the 'non-stop' bus service had been saving them at least 20 minutes of travel time.
The express metro bus route, which connected Saddar in Rawalpindi to the Pakistan Secretariat in Islamabad, only had seven stops. In contrast, the regular bus service, with 24 stops between the two cities, takes around 50 minutes for the journey.
According to the PMA General Manager Operations Uzair Shah, out of a total of 68 vehicles, seven metro buses were designated for the express project. However, despite a positive response initially, the metro express service proved financially unsustainable.
He further said that “It compelled the PMA to shift back to the regular bus service. “Now, all metro buses between Rawalpindi and Islamabad will stop at all 24 bus stations.”
Uzair Shah mentioned that the 6th Road bus station is expected to start operating on February 3, pending the completion of some minor tasks.
The delay in the opening of the 6th Road bus station may be linked to the divisional administration's plan to organize a special event for its inauguration. The event is intended to be attended by the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi.
However, a senior official in the commissioner's office mentioned that the divisional administration has struggled to secure a suitable date for the chief minister's presence in the garrison city.
