A large number of citizens traveled with Green Line buses from morning to evening. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Amid inflation fueled by Middle East tensions and a volatile international oil market, the free travel facility offered by the Punjab government as an emergency relief measure for a month is benefiting various sections of the population across the province.
A resident of Lahore who works in a private office, Mohammad Aslam, while talking to the Express Pakinomist said, “Before this initiative, a significant part of my salary was spent on coming to work. When oil prices rose, I was afraid of how I would manage. This free travel facility has made my life easy; I can now divert my children’s food and savings.”
A homemaker, Nasreen Bibi, said running a household had become a nightmare due to inflation. “Every rupee counts now. The fact that I don’t have to worry about the bus fare when I go to the market or visit relatives is a big boon from the government,” she noted.
The impact on the young and female workforce has been particularly transformative.
College student Areej Fatima said, “The fear of daily fares is gone. We can now travel safely and freely, which is a massive boost to students from middle-class backgrounds.”
A professional, Sidra Nawaz, highlighted the safety aspect: “Free and safe transport for women is a positive change. It increases our confidence to step out and contribute to the economy without fearing the rising cost of travel.”
But despite the overwhelming success of the free bus service, the rise in fuel prices has created a ripple effect in the private sector.
While major arteries in Lahore offer free travel, “last mile” connectivity remains a challenge.
Citizens complained that rickshaws and ride-hailing apps have almost doubled their fares.
A commuter pointed out the critical gap: “If we have to take a rickshaw to reach the metro station, the short trip now costs twice as much due to the increase in petrol prices. This partially offsets the benefit of the free bus.”
