Basant Joy, Zero Fare: Free Transport Across Lahore City

LAHORE: The Punjab government has signed a major agreement with two ride-hailing companies, InDrive and Yango, to make the colorful Basant celebrations in Lahore safer and easier.

Through this initiative, free rickshaw and cab rides will be provided to citizens during the Basant celebrations to be held in Lahore on February 7, 6, and 8.

According to the government, this will benefit tourists from other countries and citizens of Punjab. This initiative will help in getting rid of severe traffic congestion and parking problems.

How to get free transport during Basant days?

According to PHA officials, under this agreement, both companies will offer a total of 180,000 free rides, each ride of up to 8 kilometers.

This service includes both rickshaws and cabs. Citizens can also book rides through the app, and they can also avail this facility directly from the roads.

According to the initially announced figures, around 6,000 rickshaws and 60,000 cab rides will be available on 24 major routes in the city.

The service has been specially designed for those attending kite flying and events during Basant to minimize the use of urban motorbikes and their own rides.

Interestingly, the Punjab government will not make any direct financial payments to the companies for this agreement. In return, Yango and InDrive will be given special advertising and branding privileges on main roads, intersections and public places in Lahore.

According to PH officials, this model will not only save the government’s budget but will also provide long-term benefits to the companies, which will contribute to the economic development of the city.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has termed the move as a major step towards making Basant a safe, eco-friendly and enjoyable festival.

He said that this facility will be especially useful for senior citizens, families, women and tourists who will be able to enjoy the celebrations without any hassle.

The government estimates that it will benefit millions of people daily, which will also help reduce traffic problems.

In addition, the free bus service will continue, which includes 500 buses, metro buses, orange line and electric buses. The government will soon announce the routes, pick-up points and other details so that citizens can plan.

This agreement will be another example of Lahore moving towards a modern city