The Punjab government has launched its first electric bus service ‘Electro’ in the provincial capital, Lahore, covering several key locations.

“At least 98 bus stops are under construction for the 27 buses fleet on this route,” Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz said at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday.

The initiative was aimed at connecting the far-flung areas to the main city, she said and added that it would provide “cheap and modern” transport service.

The Transport Department has kept Rs20 fare for passengers. It is expected that as many as 17,000 people would use the facility daily. The service features free Wi-Fi, mobile charging ports, and CCTV cameras to enhance commuter safety.

Moreover, the service is free for students and differently abled people.

The new electric bus route will cover several locations in the city. The route includes key stops such as:

• Haji Camp

• Police Lines

• Shimla Pahari

• Roznama Jang

• Muslim League House

• Club Chowk

• Governor House

• Bagh Jinnah

• Zoo

Additionally, the route will also serve:

• Charing Cross

• Ganga Ram Hospital

• Waris Road

• Abid Market

• Mozang

• Shama

• Ichhra

• Fazlia Colony

• Rahman Pura

• Ichhra Bridge

• Punjab College

• New Garden Town

Further stops include:

• Campus Bridge

• Punjab University Gate No. 4

• Hailey College

• IBA Stop

• Shah Di Khoi

• Ravi Chowk

• Shouq Chowk

• Akbar Chowk

• Township Bazaar

• Mochi Pura

Lastly, the route will extend to:

• Model Road Link Road

• Honda Mor

• Government Employees Society

• Pindi Stop

• Riphah University

• Nursery Bus Stop

• Hamdard Chowk

• Minhaj University

Also, read this

Can Pakistan’s electric buses reduce urban air pollution?

Pakistan’s ‘first electric bus’ goes for test run in Karachi

At the event, Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar announced plans to introduce 500 more electric buses, with upcoming services in Faisalabad and Gujranwala. Lahore will also see two new mass transit systems.

Maryam announced that the province’s first tram service would operate from Thokhar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura. She has also asked the department to take measures for the underground transport system.