The government has decided to start a free transport service in different cities of the province to provide relief to the public, according to the reports on Wednesday.
According to the reports, 1,000 buses will run under this project. People will be able to travel free of cost for one month to reduce the burden of inflation and transport expenses.
Sources have said that the government has approved a supplementary grant of Rs1.8 billion for the project. The money will be used to hire buses.
The government has also decided that the Finance Department will release funds every seven days in advance. Private transporters will be paid weekly so the system can run smoothly.
The government is also considering the use of modern technology in the project. A digital monitoring system and automatic data system may be introduced to make payments and bus operations more transparent.
Officials said the Punjab Transport Authority will supervise the whole project and keep a complete financial record.
Regional Transport Authorities have also been allowed to directly get buses. So transport services can be provided more quickly at the local level.
Officials have said that if the project becomes successful, the free travel period may be extended in the future.
The government says that this step will give financial relief to citizens and also increase the use of public transport.
Punjab to launch central business districts
The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab) is set to launch central business districts in key cities throughout the province, including Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, and Bahawalpur, following the successful initiation of its flagship project in Lahore.
Chief Executive Officer of CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, stated, “Building on the strong investor response and success achieved in Lahore, the Authority is undertaking feasibility studies and strategic planning to replicate the CBD model across Punjab.”
