Peshawar – The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority (KPUMA) announced a fare hike of Rs10 for all stages of Peshawar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, attributing the decision to a sharp increase in fuel prices.
Revised Fare Structure
- Standard Routes: Minimum fare raised from Rs20 to Rs30.
- Express Routes: Premium service fare increased from Rs60 to Rs70.
The new fares will take effect from July 1, 2025. Officials stated that the adjustment was necessary to maintain service quality and ensure the sustainability of operations amid rising costs. Without the revision, they warned, daily transit services for the growing number of BRT commuters could be affected.
Expansion of BRT Services
To accommodate increasing demand, Peshawar recently added 72 new hybrid diesel buses to its BRT fleet. Additionally, new routes have been introduced along:
- Ring Road
- Bara Road
- Khyber Road
Civil works on these routes are expected to be completed within six months.
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Infrastructure Developments
- BRT Plazas: Construction of key plazas, including Mall of Hayatabad and Dubgari Plaza, is slated for completion by April 2025.
- Underpasses: Seven underpasses are planned on Ring Road and University Road, with feasibility studies to be finalized in two months. Further underpasses in high-traffic areas are also under consideration.
- Traffic Relief: Efforts are underway to clear blockages on University Road within a month.
Future Plans
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to urban development despite financial constraints. The provincial government also plans to introduce BRT-style services in four other divisional headquarters:
- Mardan
- Swat
- Abbottabad
- Dera Ismail Khan
Feasibility studies for these expansions are currently in progress.
The fare hike and infrastructure upgrades aim to enhance public transport efficiency while addressing Peshawar’s growing traffic challenges.
