The Punjab government has announced a free transport initiative in Lahore during the Basant festival, bringing together public transport and private ride-hailing companies to make travel easier for residents. The plan aims to ensure smooth movement during the celebrations while reducing congestion and improving connectivity.
Residents will be able to travel free of cost on the Metrobus, Orange Line Metro Train, and selected ride-hailing services. Private operators, such as Yango, are expected to provide up to 60,000 free cab rides, while around 6,000 rickshaws will also be deployed to help commuters reach their destinations efficiently.
The initiative will be carried out in coordination with the Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Punjab Transport Company, and private transport firms. Additional buses will be mobilized from government colleges and universities to increase capacity.
Transport Deployment Highlights:
| Mode | Number | Purpose/Route |
|---|---|---|
| Metrobus | 64 buses | Main corridor: Gajju Mata to Shahdara |
| Feeder buses | 228 buses | Various feeder routes across the city |
| College buses | 54 buses | Supporting major routes |
| University buses | 73 buses | Supporting major routes |
| Rickshaws | 6,000 | Last-mile connectivity |
| Private ride-hailing | 60,000 trips | Within Lahore |
Estimated Daily Ridership:
| Service | Passengers Per Day |
|---|---|
| Orange Line Metro Train | 250,000 |
| Gajju Mata–Shahdara Metrobus | 87,000 |
| Feeder routes | 127,000 |
| Total bus capacity | 516,000 |
Route-wise allocation for buses has also been planned for smooth operations, covering areas like Rana Town, RA Bazar, Bhatti Chowk, Depot Chowk, Jinnah Terminal, and more.
The government has emphasized that these measures are aimed at providing convenient, safe, and accessible travel for everyone during Basant, especially given the expected large crowds.
FAQs
1. Who can use the free transport during Basant?
All residents and visitors in Lahore can access the Metrobus, Orange Line Metro Train, and designated ride-hailing services free of cost.
2. How long will the free transport be available?
The service is planned for the duration of the Basant festival. Specific dates will be confirmed by local authorities closer to the event.
3. Are rickshaws included in the free transport scheme?
Yes, around 6,000 branded rickshaws will be available for last-mile connectivity within Lahore.
4. Which private companies are involved?
Private ride-hailing firms like Yango are participating, offering tens of thousands of free trips.
5. How many routes will be covered?
Free transport will run on 24 main routes across Lahore, covering key areas and transit corridors.
Conclusion
The Punjab government’s free transport plan for Basant aims to make festival travel smooth, accessible, and stress-free. By combining public transport, private ride-hailing services, and rickshaws, the initiative ensures that thousands of residents and visitors can celebrate safely while avoiding traffic challenges. The move is expected to handle hundreds of thousands of passengers daily, reflecting a major effort to improve urban mobility during one of Lahore’s biggest cultural events.
Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at 8171 Rashan Program. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.