The Government of Punjab has launched an electric bus network across several districts as part of a wider plan to phase out diesel buses and modernize public transport in the province. The initiative, overseen by the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA), is being carried out under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and aims to eventually put 1,500 electric buses on Punjab’s roads.
Operations have already started in a number of cities, with more set to join in the coming phases. The buses are being introduced with digital ticketing, upgraded safety systems and a fare structure designed to benefit low-income commuters, students and vulnerable groups.
According to the rollout schedule, electric buses are currently operational in Sialkot, Layyah, Chiniot, Okara, Murree, Lodhran and Bahawalpur. Gujranwala, Multan, Kasur and Narowal are listed as the next cities expected to get the service.
| City | Status |
|---|---|
| Sialkot | Operational |
| Layyah | Operational |
| Chiniot | Operational |
| Okara | Operational |
| Murree | Operational |
| Lodhran | Operational |
| Bahawalpur | Operational |
| Gujranwala | Launching Soon |
| Multan | Launching Soon |
| Kasur | Launching Soon |
| Narowal | Launching Soon |
The routes currently in service mainly link general bus stands with hospitals, educational institutions, commercial areas and residential neighborhoods, a design meant to cut travel time for students, office-goers and daily commuters. PMTA is expected to add more routes as additional buses are deployed.
Fares have been kept low, with the general ticket priced at Rs. 20 per trip. Certain categories of passengers can travel free of cost, a move officials say is intended to ease the financial burden on those who rely most on public transport.
| Passenger Category | Fare |
|---|---|
| General Passenger | Rs. 20 per trip |
| Students | Free |
| Women | Free |
| Senior Citizens (65+) | Free |
| Persons with Disabilities | Free |
Students need a valid student ID card to avail free travel, while senior citizens must be aged 65 or above. Persons with disabilities are required to carry an official certificate. Passengers have been advised to keep valid identification on them while boarding.
The buses come with air-conditioned cabins, CCTV surveillance, USB charging points, wheelchair access, low-floor boarding and cashless payment options. Wi-Fi is available on some routes, depending on the city.
Timings vary slightly from city to city, but the general schedule has the first bus departing at 6:30 AM and the last one at 9:30 PM, with buses running every 20 to 25 minutes during peak hours and every 35 to 40 minutes during off-peak hours.
| Service | Timing |
|---|---|
| First Bus | 6:30 AM |
| Last Bus | 9:30 PM |
| Peak Hours | Every 20–25 minutes |
| Off-Peak Hours | Every 35–40 minutes |
Authorities have also urged commuters to buy tickets only from authorized counters and avoid dealing with unofficial agents, as part of efforts to prevent overcharging and fraud on the new routes.
Officials say the electric bus program is a step toward reducing the province’s reliance on diesel-run transport and cutting vehicular emissions in urban centers. Further expansion to cities including Multan, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Kasur and Narowal is planned in upcoming phases, with PMTA expected to issue updated route maps and schedules as the network grows.
