The Punjab government has announced the launch of special bus connections for women in rural areas, a crucial step towards improving transport accessibility in the province.

The decision aims to tackle the ongoing challenges that women who live in rural areas are facing where a lack of reliable public transport has long been a barrier to their mobility, Express News reported.

According to the new plan, a dedicated bus connection from each rural area to the district’s headquarters works.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also requested the development of a transport plan between country and further to further improve the connection.

In addition, the government is reviewing a proposal to introduce a mass transport system consisting of 25 buses to remote districts that will be implemented in phases.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of a comprehensive transport system for women in rural areas and emphasized that the absence of available public transport has been a source of considerable difficulty.

She said, “It is deeply worrying to see women in rural areas endure such difficult travel conditions. A modern transport system is their right and it will help increase their confidence.”

The Minister of Ministry has instructed immediate steps to provide subsidies to female passengers within the mass transport system with plans to develop Punjab’s first ever women’s transport solution plan.

This initiative aims to make commuting easier for women in rural areas, especially students and those seeking medical treatment.

Maryam Nawaz noted that the new transport system would give women relief, enabling easier access to education and healthcare.

Previously, the Punjab government announced a plan to introduce tram-like traceable electrical buses as part of a new sustainable public transport initiative.

Maryam Nawaz instructed the provincial transport department to begin preliminary trials with the system.

During a meeting held on Thursday, the Minister of Chief approved a five-year transport program aimed at modernizing the province’s infrastructure in the public transit. Officials informed her of the automated Rapid Transit (Art) system, which has been successfully implemented in countries such as Abu Dhabi, Malaysia and Qatar.

The participants of the meeting were informed that the art is among the most sustainable public transport systems globally.

The traceless electrical buses used in this system are considered more efficient than conventional public transport, including the articulated buses currently operating in Metro services in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan. These vehicles can operate on standard roads within dedicated lanes and eliminate the need for specialized tracks or rail systems.

In addition, the art system requires less space compared to traditional buses.