Islamabad Electric Bus Fare Hiked Above Rs 100

In a major development that directly impacts thousands of daily commuters, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has officially increased electric bus fares in Islamabad from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per ride, effective June 1, 2025. The decision has sparked debate across the city, especially among students, low-income workers, and regular travelers who depend on public transport.

• New Fare: Rs. 100 per ride (previously Rs. 50)

• Effective From: June 1, 2025

• Affected Services: Orange Line, Green Line, Blue Line & all electric bus routes (16 routes)

• Unaffected Service: Red Line Metro (Still Rs. 50, operated by the Punjab Government)

• Subsidy Reduced: From Rs. 3.66 billion to Rs. 2.79 billion per year

• Reason for Increase: High operational costs & financial burden on CDA

Islamabad’s public transport system, especially the electric buses launched as an eco-friendly initiative, has now become more expensive for commuters. The fare has been doubled, making it the highest single-ride public transport fare among all metro cities in Pakistan.

The CDA explained the fare hike with detailed financial reasoning:

• The National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) operates the electric buses and charges CDA Rs. 350 per kilometer.

• With the previous Rs. 50 fare, the CDA had to bear Rs. 3.66 billion annually in subsidy.

• After raising the fare to Rs. 100, the subsidy drops to Rs. 2.79 billion per year.

“It’s a necessary step to keep this modern service running while reducing financial stress,” stated a CDA spokesperson.

While the CDA views this as a necessary adjustment, daily riders feel burdened:

• “I travel daily from I-10 to G-9, and doubling the fare means I’ll spend over Rs. 4,000 a month now,” said Bilal, a government employee.

• Students are the hardest hit, many of whom rely on public buses to attend universities and colleges.

The CDA also highlighted the following improvements to support the public transport system:

• New Charging Station at Zero Point: To improve capacity for 160 buses (currently only 120 are operational due to a lack of charging infrastructure).

• Google Maps Integration: Commuters will soon be able to view routes and bus timings online.

• Better Bus Stop Signs: Clear labeling of routes to help passengers identify the correct buses.

Public transport experts have criticized the CDA for:

• Lack of gradual implementation

• No prior consultation with the public

• No fare slabs or zones introduced

“A Rs. 100 fare without concessions is harsh. A better model would have been zonal pricing or free rides for students and the elderly,” said a transport analyst.

Chairman CDA & Islamabad Chief Commissioner Mohammad Ali Randhawa stated:

“This fare adjustment is not to burden citizens, but to ensure the uninterrupted availability of comfortable, eco-friendly transportation in the city.”

He further assured that subsidized ride plans will be implemented soon, and the city’s transport system will continue to expand and modernize.

Islamabad’s electric bus system was launched as part of the city’s climate-friendly initiatives under Pakistan’s commitment to carbon reduction. The fare increase has now raised questions about its sustainability and accessibility.

The fare hike on Islamabad’s electric buses is a financial necessity for the city, but comes with social costs. While it helps the CDA reduce its burden, public dissatisfaction remains high, especially with no current discount system in place.