On Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz officially launched the province’s first electric bus project, marking a significant step towards greener public transportation.
The 27 electric buses, part of a larger initiative to transform the province’s transport sector, will begin operations today.
In the lead-up to the launch, CM Nawaz and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had emphasized the shift from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) in Punjab’s public transport system.
During the recent Breathe Pakistan climate conference in Islamabad, Aurangzeb revealed details of Punjab’s new climate policy, which includes the introduction of 1,000 EVs by the end of this fiscal year. She also mentioned plans to deploy 200,000 electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, along with the necessary charging infrastructure, by 2024-2025.
At the launch event, CM Nawaz highlighted the features of the newly introduced green buses, noting that they are equipped with Wi-Fi, a tracking system, security cameras to ensure women’s safety, and amenities such as fans and water coolers at bus stops.
To make the service accessible, the fare for these buses has been set at PKR 20, and the chief minister confirmed that students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities will be able to travel for free.
The provincial government is also working on expanding the electric bus fleet, with plans to add 500 more buses by August. Nawaz invited Chinese investors to consider investing in Punjab’s growing transport sector as part of the initiative to enhance public transit while reducing emissions and air pollution.
The electric buses are a key component of Punjab’s efforts to tackle pollution, which has plagued the region, especially in Lahore, the city often ranked as one of the most polluted in the world. As part of broader environmental efforts, the provincial government has initiated measures such as cracking down on smoke-emitting vehicles and converting 978 acres of land into forests to combat smog. Additionally, the solarization of public buildings is also on the agenda to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
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