ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORTER
An important meeting was held at the CDA Headquarters, chaired by Chairman CDA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and DG Civil Defence, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by CDA Board members, CEO NRTC, and other senior relevant officers.
Chairman CDA was given a detailed briefing on the operations of feeder electric buses and further improving travel facilities for the citizens of Islamabad.
Chairman CDA directed that all electric bus routes, stations, and schedule information be made available on Google Maps and effectively promoted to provide the public with maximum eco-friendly and air-conditioned travel facilities. He said that this initiative aims to provide citizens with complete information about electric buses remotely, enabling them to plan their journeys optimally.
Chairman CDA emphasized that the routes and movement of all buses should be clearly visible on Google Maps with distinct colors and stop details, making it easier for passengers to determine routes and arrival times.
Chairman CDA further directed that fare payments be enabled through all Mastercard, Visa, and other cards. Relevant banks will be engaged for this purpose.
Chairman CDA also stressed introducing special packages for electric bus passengers, instructing that discount offers for daily commuters be introduced. Additionally, discount cards/passes should be issued on weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly bases to significantly reduce fares for all such passengers and thus further increasing the number of electric buses. Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that special discount should be introduced for students, disable and senior citizens, enabling them to benefit from eco-friendly, standard air-conditioned transport services at minimal fares.
During the briefing, Chairman CDA was informed that the electric bus project is running successfully with no fare increases since its launch. Ridership has exceeded estimates, reaching approximately 95,000. Chairman CDA expressed his commitment to further elevate the service quality of electric buses, ensuring all possible measures are taken to align it with international standards.
Chairman CDA emphasized the need to develop this service with cutting-edge technology and international best practices to enhance passenger comfort and convenience. CDA is determined to provide citizens with an excellent, safe, and modern transport system, prioritizing advanced digital facilities and a transparent mechanism.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed that new EV Bus routes be prioritized based on passenger demand. He instructed an increase in the daily ridership of feeder buses alongside the addition of new electric buses. Chairman CDA instructed efforts to minimize the project’s reliance on subsidies. In this regard, digital steamers/boards for advertisements at bus terminals should be installed in accordance with law.
