Sindh Green Bus Subsidy: Rs1bn Allocated to Maintain Fares Until June

Sindh Takes Over Green Line Operations

The Sindh government will assume full control of the federal-funded Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on March 10, 2025 and has allocated Rs1 billion to sustain subsidized fares for the next four months.

Currently, the Green Line’s maximum fare is Rs55 per person, significantly lower than the Rs80 minimum fare set for the Sindh Peoples Bus Service (PBS) after a recent increase.

“The Rs1 billion subsidy will keep fares stable until June 2025,” a government source confirmed.

Will the Green Line Subsidy Continue Beyond June?

While the subsidy provides short-term relief, there are concerns about its sustainability beyond June. Officials suggest that a fare hike may be necessary to keep both the BRT Green Line and PBS operational.

Government’s Financial Commitment to Public Transport

• The PBS, launched in June 2022, already receives subsidies.
• On February 1, 2025, PBS fares increased to Rs80 (up to 15 km) and Rs120 (above 15 km).
• Sindh currently offers the most affordable public transport in Pakistan.

“Keeping both BRT systems subsidized long-term will be a challenge,” a transport official stated.

Rs200 Million Allocated for Green Line Maintenance

Last week, Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah approved the release of Rs200 million for Green Line infrastructure maintenance until June.

Green Line: A Key Transport Solution for Karachi

• Launched in January 2022, the Green Line serves 55,000+ daily commuters across 20.9 km.
• During its first six months, six million citizens used the service.
• The Orange Line (3.8 km, 20 buses) was launched in September 2022 after years of delays.

With Karachi’s growing public transport needs, the future of subsidized fares will depend on the government’s financial capacity beyond June 2025.