The Punjab government has officially launched a green electric metro bus service in Murree on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aiming to reduce traffic congestion, improve public transport, and encourage environmentally friendly travel.
According to an official statement, the initiative is designed to ease the growing traffic burden in the hill station while providing residents and tourists with an affordable, safe, and comfortable mode of transportation.
The fare has been set at Rs30 per trip, while women, children under the age of five, and senior citizens will be allowed to travel free of charge. Officials said the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to provide public relief and modernize Murree’s public transport system.
The electric bus service will operate seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with buses arriving at designated stops every 45 minutes to minimize passenger waiting times.
The route connects key locations along the Murree Expressway and GT Road, starting from 17 Mile and terminating at the Murree Bus Stand (Lari Adda). The service includes 20 official stops, including Phaggran, Solgathan, Manga, Samli, Bastal Mor, Upper Samli, Khajot Ziarat, TDCP Hotel, Lakot, Awan, Malach, Masiyari, Alucha Mor, Bara Hotel Signboard, Lower Topa, New Murree Road, Upper Topa, and Jhika Gali.
District authorities said the project is expected to help address Murree’s long-standing traffic congestion. Tourists will be encouraged to park their vehicles at 17 Mile, Lower Topa, or other designated parking areas and use the electric bus service to reach Mall Road and other tourist attractions for a nominal fare, reducing the number of private vehicles entering the town.
Officials added that all buses are fully air-conditioned and operate on environmentally friendly electric technology, which will help reduce fuel consumption and lower air pollution in the popular tourist destination.
Experts in the tourism and transport sectors believe that if the project proves successful, it could serve as a model for introducing similar electric bus services in other tourist destinations across Pakistan. The government says the initiative will not only improve public transport but also support sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
