Express Metro Bus Service Between Islamabad and Rawalpindi Is Now Permanently Closed

Lack of funds and vehicles has forced the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA) to shut down the express metro bus service launched last year. 

The decision was criticized by commuters who said the 'non-stop' bus service saved at least 20 minutes of their time. 

The express metro bus service connecting the President in Rawalpindi to the Pakistan Secretariat in Islamabad operates with only seven stops. On the other hand, regular bus service between the two cities with 24 stops takes around 50 minutes. 

According to PMA General Manager Operations Uzair Shah, out of total 68 vehicles, 7 metro buses have been allocated for the express project. However, despite the initial positive response, the Metro Express service proved to be financially unsustainable. 

This forced PMA to go back to regular bus service. He added that now all metro buses between Rawalpindi and Islamabad will stop at all 24 bus stations. 

Shah claimed that the 6th Road bus station would likely become operational on February 3 after completion of some minor works. 

The delay in opening the 6th Road Bus Station can also be attributed to the divisional administration's decision to hold a 'special function' to inaugurate the station. Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi will also participate in the event. 

However, according to a senior official in the commissioner's office, the divisional administration has been unable to get dates for the chief minister's availability in the garrison city.