Citizens of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Thursday enjoyed the Metro Bus ride on the first day of its launch, and expressed delight over the new service.
A large number of people travelled on the long awaited service, which gives a picturesque view to the twin cities, especially through its illuminated stations.
The metro track was beautifully adorned with buntings and balloons while banners were also placed at the stations hailing the prime minister and Punjab chief minister for introducing a quick and cheap transport for commuters.
Families accompanied by children and youngsters thronged the stations. They welcomed the service by clapping when the first bus for the general public arrived at the station.
Azhar Sultan, an employee at `Katcheri Station F-8′ said, “Everyone was eager to get tickets to the first bus for which long queues of passengers were witnessed.”
A life time pass for Rs 130 was available for sale on which commuters could credit the amount required for travelling in the bus, he said, adding that the maximum recharge limit was Rs 1,000 and on each travel Rs 20 would be deducted from the card holder’s account.
Sadia Kamal, a housewife, said, “I am here at the station with my husband, son, nephews and other family members.” They all had taken a lot of pictures and bought travelling passes, she added.
“Metro bus will open new ways to prosperity as it will save time and make it convenient to reach destinations comfortably and easily,” she remarked adding that a strong communication system is a pre-requisite for investment as accessibility and commuting time plays an important role in establishing any business.
Azhar Khan, another visitor at the station, said that the capital city lacked a state-run transport system and launch of the Metro Bus Service was another feather in the government’s cap.
Good roads and a strong transport system were important to ensure economic stability of any area and this Metro Bus Service will be a milestone making the two cities highly developed trade hubs, he added.
The multi-billion Metro Bus project was started in March last year which would cater around 153,000 passengers, commuting between the two cities on daily basis.
The service started with 68 busses on 23 km long track from Saddar to Secretariat, including 24 stations. It will remain open for public from 6.00 am to 11.30 pm.
