The Punjab government has announced the launch of special bus services for rural women, a crucial step towards improving the accessibility of transport in the province.
The decision aims to meet the current challenges facing women living in rural areas, where a lack of reliable public transport has long been an obstacle to their mobility, Express News reported.
As part of the new plan, a dedicated bus service will operate from each rural tehsil at the district headquarters.
Head Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also asked for the development of an intervating transport plan to further improve connectivity.
In addition, the government examines a proposal to introduce a public transport system made up of 25 buses for distant districts, which will be implemented in phases.
Maryam Nawaz stressed the importance of a complete transport system for rural women, stressing that the absence of accessible public transport was a source of important difficulties.
She said: “It is deeply disturbing to see rural women undergo such difficult travel conditions. A modern transport system is their right, and this will help strengthen their confidence.”
The chief minister ordered that immediate measures be taken to provide subsidies to female passengers in the public transport system, with plans to develop the first plan of transport solution for women in Punjab.
This initiative aims to facilitate travel for rural women, especially students and those looking for medical care.
Maryam Nawaz noted that the new transport system would bring relief to women, which would allow easier access to education and health care.
Previously, the Punjab government has announced a plan to introduce electric buses without tramway as part of a new sustainable public transport initiative.
Maryam Nawaz ordered the provincial transport department to start preliminary tests for the system.
During a meeting held on Thursday, the chief minister approved a five -year transport program aimed at modernizing the province’s public transport infrastructure. The officials informed it of the automated rapid transport system (art), which has been successfully implemented in countries like Abu Dhabi, Malaysia and Qatar.
Reunion participants were informed that art is among the most sustainable public transport systems in the world.
Electric buses without track used in this system are considered to be more effective than conventional public transport, including articulated buses that currently operate in metro services in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan. These vehicles can operate on standard roads in dedicated tracks, eliminating the need for specialized tracks or rail systems.
In addition, the artistic system requires less space compared to traditional buses.
