Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser Hints at Peshawar BRT Fare Increase

The Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is considering a fare increase, with the base fare potentially rising from Rs15 to Rs20, representing a Rs5 increment. This adjustment is attributed to the surge in electricity prices, necessitating a transport cost revision. Consequently, the maximum fare for the entire BRT route is expected to climb from Rs55 to Rs60.

Earlier, Muzzammil Aslam, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa adviser to the chief minister on finance, hinted at a possible fare hike. The provincial government is looking to reduce the subsidy for the BRT system from Rs6 billion to Rs3 billion. The objective is to save Rs2 billion through expenditure cuts and an additional Rs1 billion by raising bus fares by Rs5-Rs10.

Aslam also mentioned the potential for a significant fare increase to Rs80 per person if the bus service were to be privatized. Currently, the provincial government is in discussions with the federal government to address financial challenges within the province.

The proposed fare hike by the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit system reflects the impact of rising electricity prices on transportation costs. As the government seeks to reduce subsidies and manage financial constraints, commuters may face increased fares in the near future. The ongoing dialogue between provincial and federal authorities underscores the efforts to navigate the economic challenges affecting public transportation in Peshawar.