PUBLIC transportation services, such as Orange Line Speedo and Metro, were introduced in March 2017 for the comfort and convenience of the citizens. In Lahore, the lower-middle class predominantly had been relying on it for some time. I have been using this service for a few months now, and have observed certain challenges.

Individuals with a Metro card pay Rs15 per stop by swiping the card at the designated scanners. In contrast, those without a Metro card are required to pay Rs20, incurring an additional cost of Rs5 per stop. Many people prefer using Metro cards to save Rs5, yet there is a persistent shortage of cards at the Speedo station. Despite several attempts to purchase a card during my visits, I was told each time that there were no cards available, and that I should come later. My wait continues to date.

Similarly, when a student relocates, he/she has to pay an extra Rs5, resulting in an accumulated cost of around Rs1,000 per month. This financial burden is significant for a student. The general feeling is that the shortage of cards is actually intentional, aimed at bringing in more money for those running the show.

The relevant authorities should address the issue and make the cards consistently available. The resolution of the matter is essential for ensuring that both students and citizens are able to easily purchase the necessary transportation cards.

Sohaib Ur Rehman
Lahore

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2024