Islamabad has launched a trial service of electric buses, following a procurement deal with China for 160 buses, with 30 already operational in the city. This initiative aims to reduce pollution and noise while improving commuting convenience, particularly for students, seniors, and women.
The trial began on Monday with buses running along feeder route number four, linking PIMS Hospital to Quaid-e-Azam University. These eco-friendly buses, painted light blue, operate every 10 minutes but are currently not picking up passengers.
The route includes stops at key locations like Radio Colony, Satara Market, Melody, Aabpara, NADRA Chowk, and Serena Hotel, ending at Quaid-e-Azam University.
The official launch of the bus service is set for July 1, coinciding with the new financial year. Initially, rides will be free, with a future fare of Rs50.
Initially, 30 buses will serve two primary routes:
- NUST Orange Line Depot (G-11) to PIMS Hospital, stopping at G-11 Markaz, G-10 Markaz, G-9 Markaz, G-8 Markaz, and PIMS Hospital.
- PIMS Hospital to Bari Imam, with stops including G-7, G-6, Melody, Abpara, Ataturk Road, Serena Hotel, Foreign Office, Radio Pakistan, and Diplomatic Enclave.
Upon the arrival of additional buses, more routes will be introduced, including connections to various stations and landmarks across Islamabad.
- IBS-01: Police Foundation Station (Orange Line) to Pothohar Station (Red Line)
- IBS-02: Allama Iqbal University to Pothohar Station (Red Line) via Shifa Hospital, I-8
- IBS-03A: PIMS to Secretariat via F-7, F-6
- IBS-03B: PIMS to Secretariat via Faisal Masjid, Margalla Road
- IBS-04: PIMS to NADRA Chowk via G-7, Aabpara
- IBS-05: D-12 to G-10 Station (Orange Line)
- IBS-06: PIMS to Golra Sharif
- IBS-07: PIMS to G-11 via G-10, G-9
- IBS-08A: Abpara to Tramari Chowk via Park Road, Chak Shahzad
- IBS-08B: Nilore to Khanna Pul via Tramari, Tarlai
- IBS-09: Pirwadhi Chowk to Faizabad via IJP Road
- IBS-10: NHA Station (Orange Line) to B-17
- IBS-11: NHA Station (Orange Line) to I-16
- IBS-12: PIMS to NDU E-9 via Faisal Masjid, Zafar / Shaheen Chowk
