The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has introduced a revised fare structure for the city’s urban transport system, resulting in a 100% increase in fares.
According to the new fare plan, passengers using electric buses will now pay a flat stop-to-stop fare of Rs 100 on all routes instead of Rs 50.
Fares for the Green Line and Blue Line services have also been doubled, with the revised amount now set at Rs100. Similarly, the Orange Line fare has been increased from Rs50 to Rs100.
Previously, the CDA had delayed this decision after initially planning the fare hike, but it has now been implemented citywide.
A CDA spokesperson announced that discount packages will soon be introduced for daily commuters to provide some financial relief. Special discounted travel cards will also be offered to students, women, and senior citizens.
Additionally, the CDA aims to boost revenue by launching advertising campaigns on public buses, according to the spokesperson.
Yesterday, it was reported that CDA has announced major upgrades to Islamabad’s electric bus service, focusing on digital accessibility, expanded payment options, and discounted fares for students, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
The decisions were made during a high-level meeting chaired by the CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, on Saturday.
Senior officials, including CDA board members and the CEO of the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), attended the session, where they reviewed the performance of the electric feeder buses and discussed strategies to improve commuter convenience.
The CDA chairman directed that all electric bus routes, stops, and schedules be integrated into Google Maps for easy public access. The routes will be highlighted with distinct colors, and real-time updates will help passengers plan trips efficiently.
To streamline fare collection, passengers will soon be able to pay via Mastercard, Visa, and other bank cards. The CDA will collaborate with financial institutions to facilitate this feature.
Special discount passes for daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly commuters will be introduced to make the service more affordable. Students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities will benefit from additional fare reductions.
The chairman emphasized expanding routes based on passenger demand and boosting daily ridership. Efforts will also be made to reduce reliance on subsidies by exploring revenue streams such as digital advertising at bus terminals.
Officials reported that the electric bus project has surpassed expectations, with current ridership reaching approximately 95,000 passengers, exceeding initial estimates. Despite rising operational costs, fares have remained unchanged since launch.
Chairman Randhawa reaffirmed the CDA’s commitment to elevating service standards, ensuring the system aligns with international best practices. “Our goal is to provide Islamabad’s residents with a modern, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced transport network,” he stated.
The CDA’s latest measures aim to enhance passenger experience while promoting sustainable urban mobility in the federal capital.
