CM Maryam inaugurates Pakistan’s first EV bus service

Lahore: Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz inaugurated Pakistan’s first fully electric bus service.

Maryam Nawaz rode in the electric bus and also conducted a detailed inspection. Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar gave a detailed briefing to the Chief Minister about the EV bus.

It was informed in the briefing that the electric bus has a GPS location recorder, Wi-Fi, UPS port, and other facilities. The electric bus will have 30 seats and a capacity of 80 passengers. The electric bus will have ramps and seats reserved for special people.

The Punjab Chief Minister was informed that for the first time, an anti-slip sheet has been used on the floor for the safety of the bus passengers. Nine specific charging stations have been established for the fully electric bus. After charging once, the bus will be able to cover a distance of 250 kilometers. A route display will also be visible on the bus for the convenience of the passengers.

There will be a separate section for women in the electric bus. Cameras will also be installed to prevent incidents of harassment. 27 electric buses will be operated on Lahore's largest and longest 21-kilometer route. The electric bus will run from the Railway Station to Green Town via Queen's Road, Mazang, Ferozepur Road, Campus Bridge, and Ichhra.

17,000 passengers will be able to travel daily on Lahore's first e-bus service. The Railway Station to Green Town route EV bus service will be officially launched in mid-February. 42 state-of-the-art bus shelters have also been established on the Railway Station to Green Town route. The bus will operate every nine minutes.

A special app will also be introduced for electric buses, which will enable tracking of the bus. Electric bus fares can be paid through digital wallets and digital cards. Universal transport cards will also be issued, and special training for 70 drivers for electric buses has begun.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed to review the installation of solar fans and water coolers at bus stands while ordering the installation of safe city cameras at every bus stand.

Later, a special meeting was also held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in which the e-taxi project was reviewed. Maryam Nawaz directed to review the assembling of e-taxi in Punjab and to take steps to establish electric charging stations in partnership with the private sector.