Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has announced that public transport fares have been slashed once again in the province. This reduction comes in response to the fifth consecutive decrease in petroleum prices by the federal government.

The biggest fare cut, amounting to Rs. 190, has been implemented on the Lahore-Karachi route. Notably, Punjab is the only province in Pakistan that consistently reduces public transport fares whenever fuel prices decline. Passengers have already begun to benefit from these lower fares.

Other significant reductions include Rs. 50 for the Lahore-Peshawar route and Rs. 20 for the Lahore-Rawalpindi route.

District administration and transport department officials are actively monitoring the implementation of these fare reductions, ensuring that new fare boards are displayed at all bus terminals.

Minister Bokhari expressed gratitude to the transporters in Punjab for their cooperation with the provincial government. She highlighted that since Maryam Nawaz’s government took office, public transport fares in Punjab have been decreasing in line with reductions in fuel prices. She urged other provinces to follow suit and reduce fares when petrol and diesel prices drop.

In addition to the fare reductions, the Punjab government has also taken steps to improve public transportation services.

These include upgrading existing bus fleets, introducing new bus routes, and improving the overall infrastructure for public transport. The government’s goal is to make public transportation more affordable, accessible, and reliable for the people of Punjab.

Petrol Price Dropped

A couple of days back, in a notification, Finance Ministry decreased the petrol prices. The news price of petrol is Rs. 247.03/litre compared to the old rate of Rs. 249.10/litre as it is dropped by Rs. 2.07/litre. Meanwhile, the new rate of diesel is Rs.  246.29/litre against Rs. 249.69/litre, as the revision is of Rs.  3.40/litre. The new prices will be applicable from October 1, 2024.

The recent drop in crude oil prices in the international market is a major factor contributing to the expected price reduction in Pakistan.

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