Islamabad metro bus fare changed again, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has officially reversed its recent fare hike, restoring the previous Rs. 50 flat fare across Metro Bus and electric feeder services. This decision comes after public uproar and a direct intervention by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who ordered the rollback with immediate effect.
Just days earlier, fares had been increased, doubling in some cases, as the CDA attempted to reduce operational subsidies. The fare for the Orange Line was raised from Rs. 50 to Rs. 90, while Green and Blue Lines were hiked from Rs. 30 to Rs. 50. The Red Line, which is operated separately by the Punjab government, remained unaffected. However, this sudden Islamabad metro bus fare change drew strong criticism, especially from daily commuters relying on these services for affordable travel.
Following the fare hike, reports indicated that ridership dropped significantly, with nearly 10,000 to 20,000 fewer commuters using the metro buses daily. The backlash highlighted how crucial affordable public transport is for Islamabad residents, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds. In response, the Prime Minister directed the CDA to restore fares, a move welcomed by the public.
Despite this rollback, the CDA continues to face serious financial strain. According to internal figures, the metro system serves around 40,000 passengers per day but operates at a monthly loss of over Rs. 60 million. The authority is spending Rs. 124.2 million each month on operational costs while collecting just Rs. 60 million in fare revenue.
To improve long-term sustainability, the CDA is now focusing on optimizing routes and expanding services. Five new metro routes have been approved, and further integration of electric buses is being planned. These measures aim to balance affordability with economic viability.
The Islamabad metro bus fare change saga reflects the challenges of maintaining low-cost public transportation in a high-inflation environment. With the fare restored to Rs. 50, the focus now shifts to how the CDA will fund and expand the city’s vital transport infrastructure without burdening commuters.
 has officially reversed its recent fare hike, restoring the previous Rs. 50 flat fare across Metro Bus and electric feeder services. This decision comes after public uproar and a direct intervention by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who ordered the rollback with immediate effect.){kind=link}