The Sindh government has now increased fares for electric buses after previously approving a fare hike of up to 60% for the People’s Bus Service (PBS) Red Line in Karachi. The decision impacts thousands of daily commuters who rely on these services for affordable transportation.
The fare revision was made following a request from the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), which manages PBS operations and cited rising operational costs due to route expansion.
Revised Fares for PBS Red Line and EV Buses
According to an official announcement, the fare hike varies between 20% and 60% across different routes. The new fare structure has been implemented from February 1, 2025, and is now displayed on all buses.
Following the increase:
- The minimum fare for electric buses is now 80 rupees, up from the previous 50 rupees.
- The maximum fare has been raised to 120 rupees, compared to the earlier 100 rupees.
- Red Line and other EV bus routes have also undergone similar fare increases to accommodate rising costs.
The fare adjustment has put additional financial pressure on students, office workers, and other daily commuters who rely on public transportation.
Reasons Behind the Fare Hike
The NRTC justified the increase by highlighting the growing operational expenses associated with route expansions. As the service expands to cater to more areas, the costs of maintenance, fuel, and infrastructure have surged, necessitating a revision in fares.
Impact on Commuters
Despite the fare increase, reports indicate that there has been no significant decline in the number of passengers using the PBS Red Line and electric buses. Many Karachi residents continue to rely on the service due to its affordability compared to private transportation options.
Future Developments
The fare hike has raised concerns among commuters about the potential for further increases in public transport costs. Authorities have assured the public that they are working on solutions to keep public transport affordable while maintaining service efficiency.
For the latest updates on Karachi public transport fares, stay tuned to reliable news sources.
 Red Line in Karachi. The decision impacts thousands of daily commuters who rely on these services for affordable transportation.){kind=link}