Islamabad residents will soon be able to access real-time information on electric bus routes, stations, and schedules via Google Maps, following new directives from the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Chairman CDA, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has instructed authorities to ensure that all buses are mapped online, enabling citizens to plan environment-friendly commutes more easily.
During a recent meeting, Mr. Randhawa asked for each electric bus route to be clearly marked with distinctive colours, complete with details of stops and arrival times. This move is expected to improve passenger convenience and reduce wait times at stations.
The CDA is also working towards introducing debit and credit card options—such as Visa and MasterCard—for fare payments. Coordination with banks is underway to enable this feature. Additionally, discount packages for weekly, monthly, and quarterly commuters are being prepared, with special benefits for students, senior citizens, and low-income workers.
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According to officials, the electric bus service has been gaining momentum, now catering to around 95,000 passengers daily. However, starting 1 June 2025, fares for most routes have doubled due to increasing fuel and operational costs. The fare for all feeder and metro lines, including the Orange, Green, and Blue routes, has been revised to Rs 100. The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Red Line, however, remains unchanged.
Commuters have raised concerns over the fare hike, urging the CDA to introduce a distance-based fare model.
| System | Route | Old Fare (Rs) | New Fare (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Line Metro Bus | FAF to NS | 50 | 100 |
| NS to Airport | 90 | 100 | |
| Green Line Feeder Service | PIMS to Bhara Kahu | 50 | 100 |
| Blue Line Feeder Service | PIMS to Gulberg Green | 50 | 100 |
| Electric Vehicle Feeder Service | Islamabad Feeder Routes | 50 | 100 |