In a recent development, the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is considering raising its fares. The base fare is expected to increase from Rs15 to Rs20, resulting in a Rs5 increment.
According to a spokesperson for the BRT, this proposed fare hike is attributed to the rising electricity prices, necessitating an adjustment in transportation costs. Consequently, the maximum fare for the entire BRT route is projected to rise from Rs55 to Rs60.
Earlier, Muzzammil Aslam, the adviser to the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on finance, had hinted at a potential fare increase. The provincial government aims to reduce the subsidy for the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit from Rs6 billion to Rs3 billion. The objective is to save Rs2 billion by cutting expenditure and Rs1 billion by raising the bus fare by Rs5-Rs10.
Aslam also mentioned the possibility of privatizing the bus service, which could lead to a fare hike to Rs80 per person. Currently, the provincial government is working with the federal government to address the financial challenges facing the province.
