The excitement and enthusiasm of the citizens of the twin cities is yet to subside as many head towards the stations to take a ride on the long-awaited Metro Bus Service (MBS), six days after its inauguration.
Every station of the state-of-the-art facility is still overcrowded with travellers, especially women and children, who are eager to take a ride on the service mainly for entertainment and enjoyment purposes.
Murad Ali, a passenger, after taking a ride on the MBS with his friends said that the service is no less than the same facility in other countries.
He added, “I enjoyed the ride a lot as this service is comfortable, inexpensive and quick and no one wants to travel on local vans and buses now after having a ride on this.”
Shaheen, another passenger said, “I have had to wait in long queues at Murree Road station. People are not ready to wait for the next bus to come, and all of sudden they rush forward to ride on the coming bus, and don’t care whether they get seat or have to stand.”
“There were more visitors in the bus and few office-goers and students. Most of the visitors were taking pictures and enjoying their first ride with their family and friends,” she added.
The MBS and its illuminated stations and track with buntings and balloons is giving a picturesque view to the landscape of the twin cities, adding more charm and beauty, she said.
Aslam Shah, an office-goer said that the MBS would open new vistas of prosperity to the country and this people-oriented project would make it convenient for students and office-goers to reach their destinations comfortably and economically.
A life time pass for Rs 130 was available for sale on which commuters could charge the amount needed 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 account.
The multi-billion project was started in March last year and will cater to over 153,000 passengers, commuting between the two cities on daily basis.
The service started with 68 busses running on a 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.
