By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – The Punjab government has decided to discontinue the free travel facility on metro buses, the Orange Line Train, SpeedO, electric buses and green bus services across the province.
According to the Punjab Mass Transit Authority, the decision was taken after there was no significant reduction in petroleum product prices, prompting the government to withdraw the transport subsidy. As a result, passengers using mass transit services will be required to pay regular fares from June 13.
Officials said the free travel initiative was launched in April 2026 as part of a public relief package aimed at easing the financial burden on commuters. Although the scheme was initially introduced for one month, authorities later considered extending it and prepared recommendations before ultimately deciding to end the subsidy.
Official figures showed that nearly 800,000 passengers were benefiting from the facility each day across metro, Orange Line, SpeedO and green bus services. Of these, around 290,000 commuters used the Orange Line Train daily, while more than 100,000 passengers travelled free of charge on the metro bus service.
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The government had introduced the subsidy to offset the impact of inflation and rising fuel costs. However, following its withdrawal, commuters will once again have to pay the prescribed fares for public transport services.
