LAHORE, June 6: Buses will gradually replace 4,000 wagons plying in the provincial metropolis in the next five years.

The decision is said to have been taken in view of the complaints of rash driving and violation of traffic rules by wagon drivers.

The process has already started and 362 buses are now operating on 21 routes allotted previously to wagons. The wagons plying on these routes have been diverted to other routes.

Another 150 buses will soon replace about 500 wagons. The bodies of the buses are currently being fabricated. The Regional Transport Authority is selecting the routes to be allotted to them.

The number of buses in the provincial metropolis is expected to exceed 800 in five years. They will be operated on 40 routes and replace 4,000 wagons. The wagons are currently plying on 54 routes.

There are also 6,000 motorcycle rickshaws and 18,000 Vespa rickshaws in the provincial capital.