BRT Peshawar increases bus fares, check latest rates inside

PESHAWAR: In a recent development, the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service has increased its fares, effective from today (Tuesday).

Under the new fare system, the fare for journeys up to 5 kilometers has been increased from Rs20 to Rs30. Likewise, up to 40 kilometers, the fare has been increased from Rs60 to Rs70.

Moreover, the cost of a single-ride pass has also been revised upward to Rs 70 from Rs 60. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority had made the fare hike notification on June 16. The notice issued by the authority also included a Rs 10 hike per stop.

It stated that the fare was increased because of increasing inflation. However, the move has been criticized as it increases the fiscal burden on the public.

Commuters have reacted with dismay, arguing that the increase in fare subverts the rationale of a public transport system geared to facilitate their daily commute.

Earlier this year, 2024, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) said it had recovered Rs 168.5 billion in the BRT Peshawar project, making it the biggest recovery in the history of the bureau, which spans 25 years.

The probe in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project commenced in 2018, following charges of unlawful award of contracts and embezzlement of funds.

The case involved NAB dismissing Rs 31.5 billion contractors’ claims in the International Court of Arbitration.

The probe uncovered six large contracts illegally awarded to particular companies, which subsequently violated their terms. More than 400 bank accounts were searched, uncovering more evidence of irregularities.