Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will start the trial run of the metro bus service between Islamabad International Airport (IIA) and Peshawar Morr in the first week of April, news sources reported. The trial has been delayed due to the late arrival of buses from China.
Reportedly, the first shipment of the 15 buses will leave Chinese port on March 15 and reach Karachi Port in 20 days. Furthermore, it will take another four days for the buses to get clearance from customs, after which the buses will leave for Islamabad. The trial will begin in the first week of April, with the buses running a 25.6-kilometre route from Peshawar Morr to IIA. After completing the trial, the buses will have a fixed fare of PKR 30 per ride, with a discounted fare for women and students. It is vital to mention that the bus service will be the capital city’s first public transportation system. In the first phase, there will be 30 buses in total.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) was the first to design the route, and it was completed with a cost of PKR 16 billion. However, it was later acquired by CDA. The CDA will oversee metro track stations, command and control, ticketing, station administration, cleanliness, and security systems.
Nauman Ahmad is an imaginative Pisces whose love for literature and nature is unparalleled. When he's not reading or hiking, he's sleeping and eating, which gives him plenty of energy for his next adventure.
