Punjab Free Bus Travel to end if Petrol Prices drop below Rs300 in Pakistan

LAHORE – Relief for commuters across Punjab is now facing uncertainty as the government is reviewing free public transport facility, which benefited millions through metro buses, Orange Line, electric buses, and Speedo services. Pare reportedly linked its continuation to fuel prices, with the proposal that the scheme could be withdrawn if petroleum rates cross or fall around the Rs300 per litre mark. A final decision is expected soon, leaving daily commuters waiting for clarity on the future of free travel. The government of Punjab is reportedly considering a major policy shift regarding its widely used free public transport initiative, with officials reviewing whether the facility should continue amid rising petroleum prices and mounting fiscal pressure. According to official sources within Transport Department, a briefing has been presented to Punjab CM proposing that the continuation of free travel across major transit systems could be directly linked to petrol prices. Under the suggested framework, the facility may be discontinued if fuel rates reach or exceed Rs. 300 per litre. Launched as a relief measure to ease commuting costs amid inflation and fuel volatility, the free travel scheme has seen extensive usage across the province. Officials estimate that more than 70 million passengers have benefited over the past two months alone. The initiative currently covers key public transport services including the Metro Bus Service, Orange Line Train, Electric Bus network, and Speedo feeder buses, forming a major component of urban mobility in Punjab. Government insiders say the review is driven by growing financial constraints and uncertainty in global oil prices. Authorities are now reassessing whether the scale of subsidy required to sustain free travel remains viable under current economic conditions. Officials are also considering not extending the programme further, raising the possibility of a phased rollback or complete withdrawal in the near future. While no