Lahore: To make the Basant festival safe and convenient, the Punjab government has announced a big transport relief package for citizens, under which free bus service, rickshaw and cab facilities are being provided across the city, as well as free parking facilities within the city.
According to the report, a total of 199 buses of the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA) and the Punjab Transport Company (PTC) are being deployed on different routes so that citizens do not face travel difficulties during Basant. In addition, 131 additional buses of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) have also been made part of the operation.
Officials say that buses will be operated shift-wise from different depots on all three days to ensure availability of transport at all times.
According to the administration, Jinnah Terminal Thokar, Railway Station and Green Town have been declared as the main depots, while the longest route will be from Jinnah Terminal to BRB, which is about 36 kilometers long. Under this project, the entire city is being covered with a special transport network.
On the other hand, the Punjab government has also signed an agreement with ride-hailing companies InDrive and Yango for the convenience of citizens and tourists. Under the agreement, free rickshaw and cab services will be provided during the days of Basant, so that people can reach the events without additional expenses.
According to the official announcement, this free travel facility will be available in Lahore on February 6, 7 and 8. The aim of this initiative is to reduce traffic pressure in the city, overcome parking problems and provide safe travel facilities to the public.
In a major relief to the citizens, the Lahore Parking Company has also announced free parking at 6 locations in inner Lahore. Citizens will be able to park their vehicles without any fee, which is expected to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
According to officials, a special plan has been prepared for traffic management during Basant and all institutions will remain on high alert so that citizens can celebrate the festival in a pleasant and safe environment.
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