Residents of Islamabad have urged the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to make the electric bus route from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to Golra fully operational, citing severe inconvenience due to the incomplete implementation of the service. According to locals from Golra and surrounding areas, this is one ofthe city’s most crucial transport routes.

However, the electric bus service remains only partially active, leading to daily commuting challenges.  Speaking to INP residents shared their frustration, stating that although the service was launched with difficulty, it has yet to be fully functional. Citizens expressed concern that the first bus on the route departs at9:00 AM—too late for most commuters. They demanded that, like other routes, service should begin at 6:00 AM and operate at 10-minute intervals to meet public demand. 

In a related issue, commuters criticized the decision to increase the interval of the electric metro bus service running from Bahara Kahu Jailani to Mandi Mor from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. They appealed to the CDA Chairman to revoke the change, stating it has caused increased crowding and significant delays. Furthermore, the shuttle service from Jailani to Satrah Meel now also runs every 30 minutes instead of 15, with fares increased from Rs. 20 to Rs. 50. Passengers reported long waits in the sun at Jailaniterminal and said many are forced to walk due to the poor frequency. 

Locals protested against these changes and demanded that direct buses be operated from Jailani to Satrah Meel or Imtiaz Store near Mandi Mor at 10- to 15-minute intervals. This, they said, would help regular commuters avoid paying double fares and reduce unnecessary travel delays. There was also a growing call for the extension of the Green Line bus service to Satrah Meel or Imtiaz Store to improve connectivity in the area.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)