Shahbaz reviews progress on Bus Rapid Transit System

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that due to the importance of Bus Rapid Transit System, it has been decided that an autonomous authority will operate it for which necessary legislation is being made.

He was addressing a meeting held to review progress on Bus Rapid Transit System on Saturday, disclosed an official.

Lahore Transport Company Chairman, Khawaja Ahmad Hassaan, Members Assembly, Planning and Development Chairman, provincial secretaries of different departments, Commissioner and District Co-ordination Officer Lahore, MD Engineering Consultancy Punjab, Lahore Development Authority DG, City Traffic Officer and officers of concerned departments were present on the occasion.

The CM said buses plying under Bus Rapid Transit System will be attractive, air-conditioned and environment-friendly and electronic ticketing will be arranged for commuters.

These latest buses will especially be beneficial for physically handicapped persons, women, children and senior citizens and the platforms of the bus stands will be of low height for the convenience of passengers, he added.

According to him, due to modern transport technology, e-ticketing, intelligent transport system, swiftness and latest facilities for the passengers, Bus Rapid Transit System will be unprecedented.

In view of usefulness of this modern system of public transport, it can be adopted all over the country.

Experiences of an Indian city Ahmadabad will also be benefited regarding plying Bus Rapid Transit System so that maximum facilities could be provided to the masses.

He said that the Punjab government is making public transport system of the province at par with international standard.

"Similarly, latest intelligent transport system equipped with computer technology is also being introduced for the maintenance of smooth traffic flow and protection of life and property of the people on roads in the big cities.

Like other schemes, this project will also be executed in a transparent manner," he added.

He said due to the launching of Bus Rapid Transit System, people will get rid of waiting for the buses.

He said this service will link different industrial, trade, educational and business centers of Lahore with one another and the passengers will timely reach their destination.

"Bus Rapid Transit System will prove to be paradigm shift in public transport system in Pakistan; a culture of travelling through public transport instead of personal vehicles will be promoted among the people which will result in energy saving," he added.

Earlier, the LDA DG informed the meeting that with a view of importance of this project, work will be carried out round the clock while suitable places have been selected for the construction of two parking plazas on Ferozpur Road for the facilities of public and the traders.

The meeting was also informed that 250,000 passengers will daily travel through bus rapid transit system and in addition to construction of overhead bridges on suitable places, road crossings will also be arranged for the disabled.