A large number of citizens traveled on the Green Line buses from morning until night. 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 benefiting various sections of the population across the province.
A Lahore resident working in a private office, Mohammad Aslam, said while talking to The Express PAkGazette, “Before this initiative, a major part of my salary was spent just on commuting to work. With the rise in oil prices, I was terrified how I would manage. This free ride service has made my life easier; now I can divert those savings towards my children’s school fees and food.”
A housewife, Nasreen Bibi, said running a household had become a nightmare due to inflation. “Now every rupee counts. The fact that I don’t have to worry about bus fare when I go to the market or visit relatives is a big blessing from the government,” he said.
The impact on the youth and female workforce has been particularly transformative.
University student Areej Fatima said: “The anxiety over daily fares has disappeared. Now we can travel safely and freely, which is a great support for middle-class students.”
One professional, Sidra Nawaz, highlighted the safety aspect: “Free and safe transportation for women is a positive change. It increases our confidence to go out and contribute to the economy without fearing rising travel costs.”
However, despite the overwhelming success of the free bus service, rising fuel prices have created a domino effect in the private sector.
While Lahore’s major arteries offer free travel, ‘last mile’ connectivity remains a challenge.
Citizens complained that rickshaws and ride-hailing apps have almost doubled their fares.
One commuter pointed out the critical gap: “If we have to take a rickshaw to get to the metro station, that short trip now costs twice as much due to the rising price of gasoline. This partly offsets the benefit of the free bus.”
