Islamabad expands electric bus service

Islamabad : The Capital Development Authority (CDA), in collaboration with the National Transport Research Centre (NTRC), has recently operationalized four new feeder routes for electric buses in the federal capital. These routes connect Sector B-17 to N-5 Metro Bus Station, Taramri (Park Road) to Aabpara, Sectors I-8 and I-9 to Faiz Ahmad Faiz Metro Station, and Sector D-12 to G-10 Metro Station, providing seamless integration with the Red, Green, Orange, and Blue Lines of the Metro Bus Service.

The initiative aims to improve connectivity for passengers by offering efficient, eco-friendly transport options. At present, operators face challenges due to insufficient charging points at the H-9 Bus Depot and the Convention Centre. However, the CDA has finalized plans to establish a permanent charging station at Zero Point. This state-of-the-art facility will feature 20 charging points, enabling simultaneous charging of up to 40 buses.

During a meeting at CDA headquarters, Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa emphasized the need to minimize reliance on subsidies to maintain the quality of service. He also announced plans for a ground-breaking ceremony for the Zero Point charging station and the launch of operations for all 13 routes, encompassing 160 electric buses. The CDA chairman further directed the transition of all CDA and commercial vehicles to electric buses to bolster sustainability efforts.

An official from the CDA stated that, initially, buses on the four new routes will operate with intervals of 20 to 30 minutes. As commuters adapt to the new service, the frequency will be increased to every 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring greater convenience for passengers. This expansion of the electric bus network marks a significant step towards greener public transportation in Islamabad.