Metro Bus Service will officially launch in Multan on Tuesday (today). After completing a successful trial run, the service has become operational after the inaugural ceremony executed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The project kicked off with a ceremonial bus ride by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accompanied by Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah and other high-ranking officials.
About Metro Bus Services
Lahore was the first city to get the affordable and convenient transport service. Commuters can bypass heavy traffic and travel in comfort via Metro. The rides also cost less than normal fares, priced at Rs 20 per token (trip) per person.
Following commuter response to the service, the next phase of the project was launched in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The buses were improved to facilitate passengers with WiFi services though, later this luxury was restricted to specific buses.
Metro Bus Project in Multan: Cost and Outreach
The Multan Metro project is the next step up the ladder for improving transport issues within major cities. Daily commuters suffer through traffic jams, long waiting lines at stations and battle harsh weather conditions to reach their destinations. With tracks covering up the city and buses equipped with AC’s, the Metro service aims to facilitate people from all walks of life.
This project cost over Rs 28.88 Billion and covers 18.5 km tracks starting at the BZU and ending at Kumharan Walla Chowk. The entire project supports 21 terminals, 7 on ground-level and 14 elevated.
The elevated segment covers major intersections along the route namely, Chungi No6, Chungi No9, Fish Market, Daulat Gate, Chungi No14, BCG Chowk and Vehari Chowk. The project will initially operate with 35 buses but the numbers can be increased according to further requirements.
According to a Technical Advisor on Multan Metro Bus Service, Sabir Khan Sadozai:
“ Over 97,000 people are likely to ride Metro buses every day.”
Sadozai considers the service a promising opportunity to boost trade activities as well as create jobs for the masses.
Improvised Bus Features to Battle Multan’s Weather
The Multan Metro service is said to contain additional features, in response to commuter feedback from previous projects and in keeping with Multan’s weather. One noted feature are the protective glass panels, sandwiched with thick foam and stuffed between steel layers to shade commuters against Multan’s heat.
During its launch, many people from different parts of Southern Punjab traveled via Metro to show their support for the project and take a comfortable ride around the historic city of Multan.
