Lahore is known as the ‘Heart of Pakistan’ and the capital of Punjab province. Its vibrant culture, delicious street food, and extraordinary scenery have made this city famous. Over 15 million people with various cultural and traditional backgrounds call it their home, making it Pakistan’s cultural capital.
The city of Lahore boasts an exceptional public transport network that outshines others in the country. Services such as local taxis and buses are conveniently available, which the government’s sit complements this means within the city.
Upgrading Lahore’s public transportation has been prioritised to decrease travel times and improve convenience. Several fast transit initiatives have been constructed, and additional ongoing plans will expand connectivity throughout the city.
Numerous megaprojects have also been launched, including the Karma Chowk flyover and the ring road construction, to enhance the city’s infrastructure.
Graana.com brings you an in-depth view of the public transport in Lahore that you need to know.
Modes of Public Transport in Lahore
The primary methods of public transport in Lahore include:
- Metro Trains
- Bus Services
- Rickshaws and Taxis
Metro Trains
The Lahore Metro, also referred to as the Lahore Mass Transit System (LRMTS), is presently in the construction phase within the city. Initially designed with four lines, namely Green Line, Orange Line, Blue Line, and Purple Line, plans for this system have undergone alterations resulting in a more cost-effective approach known as the Lahore Metrobus system which will cover the proposed Green Line.
Orange Line
In May 2014, Pakistan and China jointly launched this project as a symbol of their amicable relationship. After six years of construction and an approximate expenditure of US$1.7 billion, it was finally inaugurated on October 25th, 2020.
Lahore Metro’s Orange Line covers a distance of 27 kilometres, some of which include both aboveground and underground lines, has 26 stations, and is expected to provide fast travel for approximately 250,000 passengers daily.
Orange Train Lahore Route and Station List
People can easily travel to their location in an air-conditioned and comfortable environment from South to North Lahore. Here is the route of the Orange train in Lahore.
- The journey starts at Ali Town and progresses through several key points: Thokar Niaz Baig, Chauburji, GPO Chowk, Qila Gujjar Singh, Bohar Wala Chowk, Sultanpura (Coop Store), and finally, Dera Gujran. This likely represents a transportation route or bus stop.
- Additionally, there is a station list for the Orange Train service in Lahore, including stations such as Salamatpura, Islam Park, Mehmood Booti, Pakistan Mint, Shalimar Gardens, Baghbanpura, University of Engineering (UET), Sultan Pura, Railway Station, Lakshmi Chowk, GPO Lahore, Lake Road, Chauburji Chowk, Gulshan-e-Ravi, Samanabad, Bund Road, Salah-ud-Din Road, Shahnoor Studios, Sabzazar, Awan Town, Wahdat Road, Hanjarwal, Canal View, Thokar Niaz Baig, and Ali Town.
Operating Hours
If you want to travel by Orange line, the operational timing is 18 hours daily, between 7:30 am to 11 pm.
Fare
A one-way trip on the Orange Line will cost PKR 40.
Blue Line
Blue Line is the Lahore Metro’s proposed route, which stretches 24 kilometres from Chau Burj Chowk to College Road.
Purple Line
Purple Line is one of the other proposed routes for the Lahore Metro, which will link the airport to the railway at 32 kilometres.
Bus Services
People of Lahore usually choose centrally operated bus services for their daily commute. In Lahore, he has two major bus companies.
- Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA)
- Lahore Transport Company (LTC)
Lahore Metrobus by PMA
The Government of Punjab established the Authority as a regulatory body to oversee the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of mass transit systems in major cities throughout the region. It is responsible for managing the Lahore Metrobus Service (MBS) and its connecting feeder buses.
Since its launch in February 2013, the Lahore Metrobus Service has been a popular choice of transportation for most of the people living in this region. As the country’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, it took inspiration from Istanbul’s Metrobus system and was developed in collaboration with Turkish experts.
Central Metrobus Route
More than 60 buses which are 18-metre operate on the Lahore Metrobus route daily. These buses operate between 27 stations on a 27-kilometre corridor. However, nine of these stations were built on a bridge. The Central Line runs along Lahore’s main thoroughfare, Ferozepur Road to Shahdara via Gajju Matta.
Feeder Bus
PMA’s feeder bus lines expand the Metrobus system in Lahore for convenient travel. Passengers can take two or more buses with routes intersecting at various points. The shuttles have 28 seats, AC, and 10 reserved for females. Feeder bus routes like FR-1 to FR-17 have designated starting and ending points, serving as specific paths for transportation.
Operational Hours
The operational timing of the Lahore Metrobus System are below:
Timings of Central Line: 6:15 am – 10:00 pm
The interval between the buses’ departure: 2.25 mins to 3 mins maximum
Feeder Bus Timings: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Ticket System
The service was declared free for the first month but now has two ticket systems. Both types of ticketing systems are available for youth.
Single Ride Tokens
These tokens are valid for only one journey. The fare is 20 rupees and can be purchased from the station ticket office or any available self-service ticket machine (TVM). The token should be tapped at the entrance to gain access to the platform. To exit the forum, you must hold onto your tickets, which must be deposited at the exit point.
Metrobus Cards
You can also buy a Metrobus card. Frequent travellers on metro bus services use this card. You can buy a Metrobus card by paying a deposit of PKR 130. You can then top up your card to PKR 1000 at a vending machine (TVM) or the nearest ticket office.
However, buying a Metrocard can save you from standing in long queues waiting for your turn to get a token. Also, you can get multiple deals and discounts on your travel via Metro Bus card.
Fare Policies
If you buy a one-way ticket at the ticket office, You must exit the Metrobus within 1.5 hours to avoid additional charges. When using the Metrobus card, a consolidated fare policy allows the passenger to pay his one-off fare for the entire journey (consisting of up to 3 itineraries). Customs policies are as follows:
For one trip, the cost is Rs. 15. If you want to take two trips, it will be Rs. 20. For three trips, the cost is Rs. 25.
Local Buses by LTC
Lahore Transport Company offers HOV and LOV vehicles, wagons, and minibusses on city routes. Most of the neighborhood bus services, called LOVs, are operated by private contractors licensed by LTC. These services are linked to Metrobus stations, providing a smooth transit system throughout the city.
Routes
Below are the routes for both HOV and LOV.
HOV Route
The HOV route begins at the General Bus Stand and goes to the Airport, Valencia Town to the Railway Station, General Bus Stand to R.A. Bazar, Pakka Meel to LIG Terminal, Niazi Chowk to Green Town, and ultimately ends at the Railway Station.
LOV Route
The LOV route includes several stops such as Rang Mehal, Sharaqpur Sharif, Bhati Gate, Liaqat Chowk, Pakki Thatti, Samanabad, Railway Station, Workshop U-Turn, Thokar Niaz Baig, Manga Mandi, R.A. Bazar, Packages Gate, Guru Kay Aasal, Bhogiwal, Kot Lakhpat Jail, Jamman Sharif Gawala Colony, and Nonarian Chowk.
Fare Policy
The price of LTC depends on your route as it has no fixed price.
Ticketing
LTC will allot a green card for students to travel at discounted rates. All seniors will also receive a free bus card. You can find bus routes and fares on the Google Play app.
Rickshaws and Taxis
Taxis and rickshaws are still the primary means of transportation in Pakistan. They are available in the city, and most Rickshaws and Taxis have used CNG as their primary fuel source since the beginning of the new millennium.
For more information on the Speedo bus in Lahore, visit the Graana blog.
