ISLAMABAD, 1 June, 2025: On Sunday, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) doubled the fares of all metro bus services as well as electric buses in the federal capital. From previously determined one-way journey fare of Rs. 50, CDA hiked the fares by 100% to Rs. 100 for one-way journey, across all routes in the city.
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The U-turn comes merely days after the CDA had categorically denied increasing the fares. Around May 25, the news broke of the increase in fares, which was widely criticized as an unfair move for the general public already buried under inflation. Eventually, a rebuttal came from the authority, brushing off the reports of fare increase as rumors. However, today the rates have been revised – applicable from June 1 – by the exact value as the “rumors”.
Now, on Sunday evening, yet another statement has been issued by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, in which he explains the costs incurred by the CDA to continue provision of public transport services and justifies the doubling of fares. According to the statement, the decision to increase fares was taken in light of financial constraints, and measures necessary to ensure continued provision of transport services.
Starting by thanking the public for continued trust in CDA, the authority’s chairman explains that CDA is providing transportation facilities to over 85,000 commuters daily through its fleet of electric air-conditioned buses. “Alongside recent fare adjustments in public transport, the CDA remains committed to providing all residents of Islamabad with modern, comfortable, eco-friendly, air-conditioned, and accessible transport at their doorsteps,” statement by CDA Chairman Randhawa said.
Currently, the Orange Line operates 30 buses, the Blue Line 10 buses, the Green Line 10 buses and the electric air-conditioned fleet besides 160 electric buses, which according to the statement are all subsidized by the CDA.
“Previously, with a fare of Rs. 50 per ride, the CDA incurred annual expenses of Rs. 5.12 billion, while revenue stood at only Rs. 1.46 billion, requiring a Rs. 3.66 billion subsidy each year. With the new fare adjustment of Rs. 100 per ride, revenue is expected to rise to Rs. 2.33 billion,” the statement said, adding that even with double the amount of fares the CDA will still need to provide a substantial subsidy of Rs. 2.79 billion annually to maintain the operational stability and continuity of high-quality, eco-friendly, air-conditioned bus services in the future.
“The fare adjustment is not intended to burden citizens but is a necessary step by the CDA to ensure the provision of the best travel facilities, improve service quality, and maintain long-term public trust and sustainable travel stability. It is important to note that the additional revenue will directly contribute to the regular maintenance of buses, fleet expansion, increased routes, reduced waiting times, improved service quality, cleanliness, safety, and an enhanced travel experience for passengers across all routes in Islamabad,” CDA Chairman said.
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“Notably, even after this adjustment, the CDA will bear over 54% of the expenses to provide the best travel facilities to the public, which is a clear indication of its firm commitment to equitable transport access and sustainable travel services for citizens,” the statement added.
