Metro Bus struggles to balance cheaper fares with reliable service

ISLAMABAD
The recent rollback of the Metro Bus fare from Rs. 100 to Rs. 50, following public outcry and the prime minister’s intervention, has offered immediate relief to thousands of commuters in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. But behind the applause lies a more complex challenge: how to sustain quality public transport while keeping it affordable for the masses.
Initially, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) defended the 100% fare hike as a necessary response to rising fuel and maintenance costs. The aim was to maintain the Metro’s standards, cleanliness, punctuality, air conditioning, and consistent service, which many consider superior to other public transport options. However, the sudden doubling of fares triggered backlash from students, daily-wage earners, and elderly citizens who rely on the Metro for their essential travel.
“I spend Rs. 3,000 a month just commuting to work,” said Ghulam Abbas, a construction worker talking to media. “That’s a major hit to my grocery budget.” Similarly, schoolgirl Asma shared with this scribe how she considered skipping lunch to manage travel costs. With stories like these surfacing widely, the fare hike quickly turned into a flashpoint.
The government ultimately reversed the decision on June 5, reinstating the original Rs. 50 fare. Commuters welcomed the move, and for many, it reaffirmed faith in responsive governance. But this solution, while popular, raises an important question: can the Metro sustain quality service on its current fare model?
Metro drivers, too, expressed concerns, not just about wages, which remained unchanged, but about increasing frustration from both management and passengers. “The fare change came overnight,” said driver Zahid Khan. “We didn’t get more pay, and now we’re blamed when people are angry about delays or crowded buses.”