The decision to not launch a shuttle service by the Punjab Metro Authority (PMA) to make the metro bus service a success has added to the commuters’ woes as before boarding and getting down the bus they have to scramble to catch other modes of transport to reach their destination.
Regular travellers have expressed their resentment over the delay in launching the shuttle service demanding that it be started immediately.
Most regular travellers especially government and private employees who travel between Islamabad and Rawalpindi said that the metro bus only plies on Murree Road while they have to come from far-flung areas to join the transport to travel to Islamabad.
The commuters said that they have to pay double fare – one for local transport and the other for the metro bus.
The PMA had announced to launch shuttle service from Railway Station, Kutchery Chowk, Misrial Road, Chungi No 22, Said Pur Road, Abpara Market, Zero Point, Jinnah Super Market and Super Market to join the metro bus route but the promise has not materialised so far.
Most of the commuters said that the metro bus service was catering to only a fraction of travellers and its utility and success will only be claimed when it becomes a mass transit.