Revamp the Ride: Metro Bus Service Deserves a Makeover!

APP

Islamabad: The Metro Bus system, a cornerstone of public transportation in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, is in dire need of a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance the traveling experience for its users.

Launched over a decade ago, this service must undergo multiple initiatives to ensure safe and efficient transportation for the general public.

Regular passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with operational issues plaguing the service, particularly in relation to faulty escalators, elevators, and damaged seating at various stations along the route from Faiz Ahmad Faiz station to Islamabad International Airport.

Firdoos Shamim, an elderly commuter, lamented, “Peeling paint, damaged chairs, non-functional escalators, elevators, and broken stair tiles at most of the stations depict negligence on the part of the officials.”

The physical challenges posed by such conditions are exacerbated for older travelers, making simple tasks, like navigating stairs, daunting.

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Overcrowding: A Daily Struggle

Another significant challenge for daily commuters is the overcrowding of Metro buses during peak hours. Buses often operate at full capacity, forcing many passengers to wait for extended periods for a chance to board.

Noreen Asif, a Shamsabad resident, shared her experience: “I love that the buses are more frequent, but during rush hour, they’re still overcrowded. I often have to wait for the second or third bus because there’s no space to get on.”

This issue highlights the need for additional services to accommodate the growing ridership.

Demand for Expansion

Students and residents alike are calling for an expansion of the Metro Bus services to better connect different areas of the twin cities.

Muhammad Talha, a student at NUST University, advocated for more feeder buses: “More feeder buses should be run from every nook and cranny of the twin cities, especially to connect Islamabad Expressway from Rawat to Faisal Mosque.”

The need for reliable transportation is particularly pressing in rural areas, which still lack adequate service.

Moreover, the fare structure has raised eyebrows among travelers. Shakeel Abbas, a commuter using the Orange Line Bus service, expressed frustration over the pricing discrepancies on his route.

“I paid 50 rupees from Faiz Ahmed Faiz to the N5 stop, and then again paid 90 rupees from N5 to the Airport. I have to change buses and pay more,” he noted, calling for a review of the fare policy.

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Pledge for Progress

In response to the growing concerns, Mujtaba Ali, an official at G13 station, assured commuters that efforts are underway to address these issues and improve the travel experience.

He noted that a separate service operates from the N5 stop to Islamabad International Airport, explaining that the higher fare reflects the longer route and infrequent service.

Meanwhile, a senior official from the Punjab Mass-transit Authority confirmed that all 68 air-conditioned buses are currently operational, with ongoing rehabilitation projects aimed at enhancing the service.

The Rawalpindi Development Authority is overseeing construction to upgrade the corridor from Saddar to Faizabad, with 60 percent of the work already completed.

The Metro Bus operates on four distinct routes, covering a total of 23 kilometers for the Red Line, 29.6 kilometers for the Orange Line, 20 kilometers for the Blue Line, and 15 kilometers for the Green Line.

As the demand for this vital service continues to grow, it is imperative that authorities prioritize the renovation of essential infrastructure, increase the bus fleet, and ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

The voice of the commuter is clear: without urgent action, the Metro Bus service risks losing its status as a reliable mode of transportation for the people of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.