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Express Tribune
19-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Shortage of bus shelters strains commuters
Listen to article For people travelling in a car, bus stops are just another space for flashy hoardings hence the availability or shortage of facilities would rarely be a concern. But for people travelling daily through public transport, the little box at the edge of the road can turn into a death trap during the summer heat. Although the Punjab Transport Company has initiated a plan to construct modern bus shelters with a budget of Rs16 million, both experts and citizens agree that these efforts are far too limited and slow-moving to meet the needs of a mega city like Lahore. According to the Punjab Transport Company (PTC), there are only 194 proper bus shelters across the city, with an additional 600 temporary stops (flag posts). Many of these shelters have limited seating capacity. Commuters in busy areas like Allama Iqbal Road, Egerton Road, Circular Road, and various sections of GT Road often complain about the lack or complete absence of shelters. One passenger lamented that people were forced to stand under the sun or rain, often having to take refuge in nearby shops. A young commuter, Fahad complained that even the Metro Bus waiting area had no roof for shielding passengers from the heat. Similarly, Muhammad Irfan, a resident of Shahdara, disclosed that the shelters lacked seating, were dirty, and had advertisement boards that further restricted passenger space. Fatima Batool, a daily commuter from Mughalpura to Model Town, revealed that she often had to wait for buses under the sun, and even when there was a shelter, it was so small that only a few people could fit inside. Likewise, Ayesha Nawaz, a student from Model Town, complained that in many areas, it was not even clear where the bus would stop. 'Shelters should at least offer drinking water, lighting, and secure waiting areas for women,' said Nawaz. According to urban planners, a city like Lahore needs more bus shelters to protect commuters from extreme weather and to manage heavy passenger loads. An official from the Punjab Transport Authority confirmed that even today, Lahore urgently needed 1,200 to 1,500 new bus stop shelters. Experts believe that the growing population and increasing number of vehicles have put immense pressure on urban infrastructure, yet no comprehensive planning has been seen to improve the number and quality of bus shelters. Dr Obaidullah Nadeem, Professor of City and Regional Planning at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, explained that when building shelters, it was essential to consider the location, traffic flow, and passenger volume. 'Shelters should be constructed slightly away from the road so that when a bus stops, it doesn't disrupt regular traffic. Modern shelters should include solar-powered lighting, digital timetables, and strong roofing to protect commuters from extreme weather. Even if not digital, there should be clear displays to help guide passengers on route information,' suggested Dr Nadeem. On the other hand, a spokesperson for the Punjab Transport Company, claimed that the government had not only improved existing shelters but also had plans to build 200 more bus shelters in the upcoming fiscal year. Among them, 50 will be constructed with a modern design, featuring separate waiting areas for men and women, a small tuck shop and Wi-Fi facilities.
Express Tribune
18-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM to launch electric bus service today
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inspects a ramp for differently-abled passengers in an electric bus which is set to ply on the roads in Lahore. photo: express Lahore is set to embrace a greener mode of transportation as the Punjab Transport Company has soft-launched an electric bus project, with commercial operations commencing on Wednesday. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is scheduled to inaugurate the service, which aims to reduce environmental pollution and improve urban mobility. A total of 27 electric buses, imported from China, will benefit approximately 17,000 commuters daily. The Punjab Transport Department showcased a documentary on the buses, highlighting their features and modern amenities. Each bus has a capacity of 83 passengers, including 32 seats, space for 48 standing commuters and two reserved seats for individuals with disabilities. A dedicated section for women as well as a separate driver's cabin equipped with advanced controls enhance passenger comfort and safety. The electric buses are fitted with GPS, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, onboard surveillance cameras and manually operated wheelchair ramps. Commuters can pay fares using digital wallets and smart cards, while a mobile app will allow real-time tracking of the buses. The vehicles, which can be fully charged in two and a half hours, have a range of 300 kilometres per charge. A charging station for the buses has been established in Green Town. The initiative, launched with an investment of approximately Rs2.4 billion, marks a significant step toward sustainable urban transportation. Each bus, valued at Rs88 million, has an operational lifespan of 12 years.
