CDA reverses hike in metro, electric bus fares

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Development Authority (CDA) has, once again, rescinded the decision to increase fares for Metro and electric buses. Previously in May, the news broke of hike in fares, which the CDA denied, only to implement them from June 1. However, now the increased fares of Rs 100 for one-way journey have been withdrawn, and fares are now Rs 50 once again.

The fares were hiked for Orange, Green, and Blue Line as well as electric buses. On the instructions of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the increase was withdrawn, CDA announcement said on Wednesday.

The decision will be applicable to all bus services immediately, and the fare of Orange Line, Green Line, Blue Line and Metro Bus has been reduced to Rs 50.

Also read: Metro, electric bus fares hiked in Islamabad

However, the fare of the bus running from N-5 to Islamabad Airport will remain at Rs 90.

Over 90,000 daily commuters use these metro and electric bus services, which means that any hike is likely to impact a sizeable population of Islamabad. CDA officials had attributed the increase to rising operational costs, arguing that despite the increase, CDA will be paying for 54 per cent of the entire expenditure.

This time around, no explanation has been offered by the CDA regarding any additional subsidies or details of financing to ensure quality of public transportation.