LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided to introduce a digital payment system for Metro Bus and Orange Line transport in the province.
She was presiding over a meeting related to the transport department and Mass Transit Authority, in which she was informed that the token system in the Orange Line train and Metro Bus would be abolished and a barcode system would be introduced for card-based payment.
In the planned system, the fare can be paid through credit, debit and ATM cards, as well as mobile account applications. Payment through near field communication (NFC) cards will also be enabled in the mass transit system in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The token system will be abolished soon for implementing the e-payment system in Lahore’s Orange Line train to enable fare payment through cards and apps.
It was also decided in the meeting to introduce a single card for the mass transit system across the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the T-Cash card for the mass transit system. Travel on every Metro Bus or Orange Line train across the province will be possible through the card.
A separate card will be introduced for students.
The chief minister also gave approval in principle for recruitment to technical posts from grade 5 to 18 in the transport department.
The participants of the meeting agreed to introduce electric rickshaws as an alternative to motorcycle rickshaws.
The chief minister sought suggestions for the electric rickshaw project.
She also approved in principle a proposal to organise the first international transport expo in Punjab.
The chief minister announced the introduction of a comprehensive radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker for all matters related to vehicles.
Punjab Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch gave a detailed briefing on the Yellow Line Lahore-Gujranwala bus rapid transit (BRT) system.
The participants were informed that the supply of electric buses in the districts of Punjab will would begin next month.
The meeting also reviewed the design and colour recommendations of prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore. The installation 50 shelters will be initiated soon.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said in her message on World Day for International Justice that where justice was not served, darkness of oppression engulfed the entire society. “If there is no justice, development and prosperity remain an unfulfilled dream.”
