Islamabad, Jan 4: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has deployed electric buses for the Diplomatic Enclave shuttle service, following the conclusion of a three-year contract with a private firm on Friday. The Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) has taken over the service, with eight CDA electric buses set to begin operations on Monday. These buses will continue to operate until a new contract is awarded for the service.
Despite the temporary arrangement, some officials have suggested that the CDA should manage the service permanently, avoiding reliance on private contractors who have been accused of overcharging citizens. Previously, the private contractor was supposed to charge Rs500 for a round coaster ride and Rs1,000 for a high-roof van, but complaints had surfaced about excessive fares. Additionally, the contractor was reportedly using private cars to transport visa seekers, charging inflated prices.
Last year, a European diplomat raised the issue of overcharging with the CDA chairman, which led to a meeting and a warning letter being issued to the contractor. However, many citizens continued to voice their dissatisfaction with the high fares.
The shuttle service, introduced after 9/11 as a security measure to prevent private vehicles from entering the Diplomatic Enclave, still operates today, compelling visitors to use the service for access to the high-security area. Some officials have argued that citizens should be allowed to enter the enclave in their own vehicles, provided there are proper security arrangements. Others believe the service should be managed directly by the DMA permanently to prevent exploitation by private contractors.
The previous contract for the shuttle service, awarded in 2020, amounted to Rs102.6 million per year. Despite efforts to award the contract again in December 2024, the tender process was postponed at the last moment, prompting continued debate over the future of the service.
Now, with CDA’s electric buses taking over, the agency is implementing a computerized fare system, charging Rs1,000 per passenger, as it seeks to address the concerns surrounding the service and explore longer-term solutions.
