Free Metro Bus Service Causes Overcrowding in Rawalpindi, Islamabad

Free Metro Bus Service Causes Overcrowding in Rawalpindi, Islamabad

Rawalpindi and Islamabad witnessed an unusual surge in commuters after the government announced free metro bus services, leading to overcrowding at major stations across both cities. Long queues of passengers were observed as students, office workers and daily commuters rushed to benefit from the temporary relief measure. The initiative, introduced on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ease the financial burden amid rising fuel costs, has significantly increased ridership on the metro system. However the overwhelming public response has created management challenges, with many commuters facing delays and difficulty boarding buses during peak hours. Authorities have acknowledged the increased pressure on the transport system and emphasized the need for improved crowd control and additional resources to handle the growing demand.