The Punjab government has reportedly finalized a free transport plan for Basant in Lahore, bringing ride-hailing/rider companies on board alongside public transport operators to help manage movement during the festivities.
Officials say the plan has been approved by the Lahore Division Commissioner, and residents will be able to travel free of cost on the Metrobus and the Orange Line Metro Train.
Alongside buses and rail, the government is also expected to offer free ride-hailing trips within Lahore for the Basant window.
Under the reported arrangement, a private ride-hailing operator, such as Yango, will facilitate up to 60,000 free cab rides, while a separate component of the plan includes 6,000 rickshaws to be deployed for free commuting to improve last-mile connectivity.
The initiative will be implemented with support from the Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Punjab Transport Company, and private rider firms, while additional buses have also been sought from government colleges and universities.
As per the plan, free transport will be available across 24 routes in Lahore. Authorities aim to deploy:
In addition to buses, the government is also planning to expand mobility through the private sector by branding 5,000 rickshaws from a private company and using them for free commuting during Basant.
Officials estimate the free travel plan will accommodate large daily ridership figures, including:
Overall, the bus component alone is expected to provide free transport capacity for about 516,000 people daily.
Authorities have also shared route-wise allocations for several corridors, including: