One of the most visible signs of progress in any country is the improvement of its transportation system, especially in urban areas. In Pakistan, a developing country with many challenges, some of the major cities are witnessing remarkable changes in their public transport infrastructure.
Lahore is one such example, where the Lahore Metro Bus project has transformed the way people travel. Graana.com discusses everything that you need to know about the Metro Bus routes in Lahore.
History of Metro Bus Lahore
The Metro Bus system in Lahore was inaugurated on February 10, 2013, by former Chief Minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif. Metro bus project was completed in a record time of 11 months, and it cost approximately Rs. 30 billion.
It was designed to provide a modern, efficient, and affordable transport system to the residents of the city. Metro Bus provides them with a comfortable mode of transport that saves them from the heat and congestion of old buses. It also creates many job opportunities for drivers, conductors, security guards and maintenance workers.
The success of this project has inspired other cities in Pakistan to adopt similar BRT systems, such as Multan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Karachi.
Features of Metro Bus Lahore
Here are some of the salient features of Metro Bus Lahore:
- Escalators
- Passenger Information System (PIS)
- Automated Fare Collection System
- Vehicle Location System
- Helpline Service
- Metro Bus Discounted Card Facility
Metro Bus Lahore Stations
The bus service connects 27 stations from Shahdara to Gajju Matah. It has a fleet of over 60 air-conditioned buses, each with a capacity of 150 passengers. The buses run on a dedicated corridor, are separated from other traffic, and have a fixed schedule. They can carry over 150,000 passengers daily and reduce travel time from two and a half hours to 45 minutes.
Another option for convenient transportation is the Speedo Bus service in Lahore, which complements the Metro Bus and covers more areas. Following is the list of the Metro Bus Lahore stations:
- Shahdara Metro Bus Station
- Niazi Chowk
- Timber Market
- Azadi Chowk
- Bhatti Chowk
- Katcheri
- Civil Secretariat
- MAO College
- Janaza Gah
- Qartaba Chowk metro bus station
- Shama Metro Bus Station
- Ichhra
- Canal
- Gaddafi Stadium
- Kalma Chowk
- Model Town
- Naseerabad
- Ittefaq Hospital
- Qainchi
- Ghazi Chowk
- Chungi Amar Sidhu
- Kamahan
- Attari Saroba
- Nishtar Colony
- Youhannabad
- Dulu Khurd
- Gajjumata
Metro Bus Lahore Route
The Metro Bus system has many feeder routes that connect different parts of the city. You can access a number of areas with ease by using any of the 27 stations.
| Route No. | Route |
| FR-1 – 17 | Railway Station to Bhatti Chowk |
| Bhatti Chowk to Samanabad Morr | |
| Railway Station to Rana Town | |
| Raja Bazar to Chungi Amar Sidhu | |
| Shad Bagh Underpass to Bhatti Chowk | |
| Babu Sabu to Raj Garh Chowk | |
| Bagrian to Chungi Amar Sidhu | |
| Canal Road to Daewoo Terminal | |
| Railway Station to Sham Nagar | |
| Multan Chungi to Qartaba Chowk | |
| Babu Sabu to Gulberg Main Market | |
| R.A. Bazar to Civil Secretariat | |
| Bagrian to Kalma Chowk | |
| R.A. Bazar to Purana Kahna | |
| Raja Bazar to Bhatti Chowk | |
| Canal Road to Thokar Niaz Baig | |
| Gajju Matah to PKLI |
Metro Bus Lahore Timings
The metro bus service is designed as such that individuals’ time isn’t wasted while waiting for the bus to arrive. The buses only stop for a short while at each station, ensuring a quick journey.
Timings
6:15 am – 10 pm
Central Line Timings
6:15 am – 10:00 pm
Interval Between the Departure of Buses (Peak Hours)
2.25 minutes to 3 minutes
Interval Between the Departure of Feeder Buses
5 to 10 minutes (Peak Hours)
(Off-Peak Hours)
Ticket Price of Metro Bus Lahore
You have two options for paying the fare: you can either get a token for each ride, or you can get a Metrobus Card, which gives you a discount for multiple rides. It is a prepaid card that you can load with a certain amount of money for use until it runs out.
The token costs Rs. 30, while you can charge the Metrobus Card up to Rs. 1000 from any station’s TVM (Ticket Vending Machine). This can help you save time and money in the long run. You can also check your card balance from the TVM.
If you want to return this card, you can get Rs. 130 back from the authority. This card also gives you lower rates, as shown below:
Price of Metrobus Card: Rs. 130
One trip: Rs. 30
Two trips: Rs. 60
Three trips: Rs. 95
Note: You have to finish your journey within 1 hour and 15 minutes after entering the token in the machine, otherwise you will be charged again. The same rule applies to the card holders, who have a 1-hour limit.
Conclusion
The Punjab Mass transit Authority (PMA) is working to extend its projects, including the Lahore Metro Bus route, which will cover more areas in the future.
Another example is the Orange Line Metro System Lahore, Pakistan’s most advanced and modern train system, which was a collaboration of the Pakistani and Chinese governments.
FAQs
Q: What is a metro bus, and how is it different from regular buses?
A: Metro bus is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system that operates on dedicated lanes and stations. It is faster, safer and more comfortable than regular buses because it avoids traffic and has modern facilities, like air-conditioning, CCTV cameras and automated fare collection.
Q: Where can I find a metro bus station and how do I know which one to go to?
A: There are 27 metro bus stations along the Metro bus route in Lahore, spaced about 1 kilometre apart. Each station has a name and a number, and displays the direction of the buses (towards Gajjumata or Shahdara). You can also use the PMA app or website to plan your trip and find the nearest station.
Q: How much does it cost to ride a metro bus and how do I pay for it?
A: The fare for a metro bus ride is 30 rupees for adults and 15 rupees for students, senior citizens and disabled persons. You can pay for it using a smart card or a token, which you can buy from the ticket vending machines or booths at each station. You need to tap your card or token at the entry gate before boarding the bus and at the exit gate after getting off the bus.
Q: How often do metro buses run and how long does it take to travel?
A: Metro buses run every 2.25 to 3 minutes during peak hours, and every 5 to 10 minutes during off-peak hours. The operation hours are from 6:15 AM to 10:00 PM. The average travel time from Gajjumata to Shahdara by metro bus is about 50 minutes.
Q: When will my card balance expire?
A: There is no expiry for the Metrobus Card balance.
Q: Can I use my Metrobus Card on Speedo?
A: Yes, you can use the card for travelling in feeder buses.
Q: Is the metro bus operational on Sunday?
A: Yes, the bus is functional seven days a week.
Q: What are some of the rules and regulations for using the metro bus service?
A: Some of the rules and regulations are:
- Don’t cross the dedicated lanes or enter the stations without a valid ticket or card.
- You are not allowed to smoke, eat, drink or litter inside the buses or stations.
- Carrying weapons, explosives, flammable materials or animals on board are not allowed.
- Do not damage or vandalise any property or equipment of the metro bus service.
- Give priority seats to women, children, elderly and disabled passengers.
- Follow the instructions of the staff and security personnel at all times.
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