Key Takeaways
- Punjab Transport Department launches five dedicated buses for women on Metro Bus Service.
- Initiative aims to reduce harassment and overcrowding during peak travel hours.
- Government plans to purchase new Metro buses permanently reserved for women.
The Punjab Transport Department has launched a new initiative by deploying five Speedo buses exclusively for female passengers on Lahore’s Metro Bus Service. This move is part of an effort to enhance safety and reduce overcrowding during peak travel hours.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan announced the deployment, stating that it was implemented immediately following instructions from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The temporary measure uses Speedo buses on the Metro Bus corridor, providing women with a safer commuting experience.
Minister Khan emphasized that ensuring safe and dignified public transport for women is one of the chief minister’s top priorities. He added that additional measures are being considered to further improve security and convenience for female commuters across the province’s public transport network.
The deployment of these buses comes in response to concerns about harassment faced by women during rush hours. According to the Transport and Mass Transit Department, the initiative aims to protect women from such incidents while traveling.
While the current arrangement is temporary, plans are underway to purchase new Metro buses that will be permanently reserved for women. This long-term solution aligns with the government’s commitment to providing a safer public transport system for female commuters.
The decision reflects the broader efforts by the Punjab government to address issues of gender-based harassment and improve overall public transportation infrastructure in Lahore. The deployment of these dedicated buses is seen as a step towards creating a more inclusive and secure environment for women travelers.
