LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared a subsidy initiative for the goods transport sector and announced free public transportation in response to escalating fuel prices on Friday.
She explained that the surge in global oil prices, influenced by ongoing international conflicts, has made fuel cost increases unavoidable. To alleviate the impact, the government will provide targeted monthly subsidies to registered transport operators. These include Rs70,000 for goods transport vehicles, Rs80,000 for large vehicles, and Rs100,000 for public service buses.
Maryam Nawaz urged transporters throughout Punjab to refrain from transferring the increased fuel expenses onto passengers and consumers. She emphasized that the government will maintain strict oversight to ensure that the relief measures effectively benefit the public.
In a related announcement, she stated that public transportation in Punjab will remain free for the duration of the oil crisis. Passengers will no longer be required to buy tickets for services such as the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus. She encouraged citizens to take advantage of public transit options as a more economical and sustainable way to travel.
