ISLAMABAD IMTISAL BUKHARI
Under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, an important meeting was held at CDA Headquarters regarding providing complete information and details of metro and feeder electric buses’ routes on Google Maps for Islamabad. The meeting was attended by Member Admin and Estate Talat Mahmood, Member Planning Dr. Khalid Hafiz along with NRTC and other senior officers.
A detailed briefing was given during the meeting regarding the operations of metro and feeder electric buses and further improving modern travel facilities for the citizens of Islamabad.
During the briefing, it was breifed that CDA has launched its official mobile application “CDA Mobile App”. Citizens can now download the application from the Play Store and Apple App Store through the following links:
Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kentkart.cdamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/cda-mobile-app/id6748020370
The meeting was informed that the key features of the CDA Mobile App include a trip planning that helps users better plan their journeys, including estimated travel times between different locations. The application also provides tourism guidance, featuring nearby places of attractions and points of interest so that tourists can also obtain better information and travel planning about important locations in Islamabad.
It was further apprised that this special application serves as an effective means of promptly delivering important public announcements and notifications to users, including route changes and other essential information. Through the routes feature, users can obtain information about all active routes in Islamabad. Additionally, data integrated with Google Maps provides users with route maps and stop details.
It should be noted that transit map and schedule details are also available on CDA’s official website https://www.cda.gov.pk/public/cdaTransitMap, where users can obtain complete information about route timings and stops.
CDA is also working on additional future services and facilities, including real-time tracking on Google Maps and activation of mobile wallets. Similarly, users will soon be able to pay fares through the mobile app. The meeting was informed that work is progressing rapidly on the fare payment feature through the mobile app, which will be made operational soon. Chairman CDA directed that a system for digital fare payment should be enabled through QR code generation, including ATM, Master, Visa and other cards, as well as banking apps, Easypaisa, JazzCash, etc.
The meeting was informed that the complete version of the application is currently in the final stages of development and will soon be launched live for user convenience.
Chairman CDA issued direction during the meeting, stating that effective publicity and public awareness should be launched for providing complete information and details of all electric buses, their routes, stations, and schedules on Google Maps so that citizens can have better access to state-of-the-art environmentally friendly and air-conditioned travel facilities. He said that the primary objective of this initiative is to provide citizens with complete information about electric buses from their homes so they can plan their journeys optimally without facing any inconveniences.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhwa said that they are keen to further improve the quality of electric bus service and are taking all possible measures to elevate it to international standards. He directed that more routes should be selected where passenger demand and ridership are higher. He said that along with increasing the daily ridership of feeder buses, new routes should also be developed in light of public feedback, and the under-construction Depot at Zero Point should be activated soon so that electric buses can be operationalized on remaining routes throughout Islamabad to provide international standard travel facilities to citizens.
Chairman CDA said that all buses on Google Maps are being provided with prominent colors and stop details with easy-to-understand information so that ordinary passengers can easily determine bus routes and arrival times. He highlighted that providing modern transport facilities to citizens is among CDA’s top priorities, and all resources are being utilized to achieve this objective. He said this initiative will not only make travel more comfortable and safe for citizens but will also play a significant role in substantially reducing environmental pollution. Electric buses will not only serve as an alternative to petrol and diesel but will also provide citizens with convenient, quality and peaceful travel facilities.
Chairman CDA said that they are developing this service with state-of-the-art technology and according to international best practices so that passengers can enjoy more comfort and better facilities. He said that CDA is committed to providing citizens with an excellent, safe and modern transport system and is working round the clock in this regard.
