To tackle a significant financial shortfall, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced plans to increase fares for the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This fare hike aims to reduce an annual operating deficit exceeding Rs3 billion.
Local media reports suggest that the provincial government is considering raising fares by Rs5 to Rs10. This increase is intended to help cover operating costs and decrease reliance on the Rs3 billion subsidies currently provided from the provincial budget.
In a recent meeting led by KP Finance Advisor Muzammil Aslam, officials discussed strategies to manage the rising costs of the BRT system.
Among the proposals was the introduction of a daily unlimited travel pass priced at Rs150 for the general public and Rs100 for women, students, transgender individuals, and senior citizens. Additionally, a charge of one rupee per passenger would be allocated to the operational expenses of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority (KPUMA).
Finance Advisor Muzammil Aslam confirmed that the fare increase is under serious consideration, with the final decision pending approval from the KPUMA board. This move is seen as crucial for sustaining the BRT service, which last year alone saw a ridership of 80 million people, contributing to a total of 215 million commuters since its inception in 2020.
The KP government’s decision highlights the growing need to balance public transportation affordability with financial sustainability, ensuring that the Peshawar BRT continues to serve the city’s residents effectively.
For more updates on the fare changes and their impact on Peshawar’s public transportation, stay tuned to our news platform.
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