A large number of citizens traveled on Green Line buses from morning to evening. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Amid inflation fueled by tensions in the Middle East and a volatile international oil market, the free travel facility offered by the Punjab government as a relief measure for a month is benefitting various sections of the population of the province.
Mohammad Aslam, a resident of Lahore who works in a private office, said in an interview with The Express PK Press Club, “Before this initiative, a significant portion of my salary was spent just on commuting to work. With oil prices rising, I was terrified of how I was going to cope.
Nasreen Bibi, a housewife, said managing her household had become a nightmare due to inflation. “Every rupee counts now. The fact that I don’t have to worry about the bus fare when I go to the market or visit relatives is a huge blessing from the government,” she remarked.
The impact on young people and the female workforce has been particularly transformative.
Areej Fatima, a student at the university, said: “The anxiety over daily rates has disappeared. We can now travel safely and freely, which is a massive support for middle-class students.
A professional, Sidra Nawaz, highlighted the safety aspect: “Free and safe transport for women is a positive change. This builds our confidence to go out and contribute to the economy without fear of rising transportation costs.
However, despite the resounding success of the free bus service, rising fuel prices have created a ripple effect in the private sector.
While Lahore’s main thoroughfares offer free travel, “last mile” connectivity remains a challenge.
Citizens have complained that fares on rickshaws and ride-hailing apps have almost doubled.
One commuter highlighted the critical gap: “If we have to take a rickshaw to reach the metro station, that short trip now costs twice as much because of the rising price of gasoline. This partly negates the benefit of the free bus.”
