Punjab govt to end free transport facility?

LAHORE: The Punjab government has started considering a major policy change regarding the future of the free travel facility provided to citizens across the province.

According to reports, the government is reviewing a proposal to make the free travel facility conditional on the prices of petroleum products, after which important decisions regarding the future of this project are expected.

In a briefing given to the Punjab Chief Minister by the Transport Department, it was informed that if the price of petrol reaches Rs 300 per liter, there is a possibility of immediately ending the free travel facility, and a final decision in this regard is expected to be taken next week.

According to sources, a proposal not to further extend the free travel facility being provided in various cities of the province, including Lahore, is also under consideration.

Officials say that this policy is being reviewed due to the current economic conditions, government spending, and continuous fluctuations in fuel prices.

According to the released data, more than 70 million passengers across the province benefited from the free travel facility during the last two months, which provided significant relief to the public during the period of inflation. This facility was introduced to reduce the effects of the increase in the prices of petroleum products.

This free travel facility was applied to various public transport services, including the Metro Bus, Orange Line Train, Electro Bus, and Speedo Bus service, through which millions of citizens travel daily.

According to officials, the government is reviewing various options to maintain a balance between public relief and financial resources. The final decision regarding the future of the free travel facility will be taken after high-level consultations and a review of the economic situation, on which the eyes of the public are focused.