KPUMA Approves New Fare Structure
Peshawar- June 16, 2025: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority (KPUMA) has announced a fare hike for the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Starting July 1, 2025, passengers will see a Rs. 10 increase in fares across all stages. The minimum fare will rise from Rs. 20 to Rs. 30, according to the official notification released by BRT.
However, fares on Express Routes, which operate on a flat fare model, will remain unchanged. Authorities confirmed that these routes have been excluded from the revision to maintain affordability for long-distance daily commuters.
Officials stated that this decision was made in response to significant fuel cost increases in recent months. The rising operational expenses have made it difficult to maintain current service levels without revising fares. The fare adjustment, they said, was “unavoidable but essential” to ensure uninterrupted and reliable public transport service.
Public Reactions and Future Outlook On Fare Hike
Passengers had mixed reactions to the news. Some commuters expressed frustration over the increase, especially amid broader economic challenges. Others acknowledged the pressure of rising fuel prices and the need for sustainable services.
“I use the BRT daily. A Rs. 10 increase matters when you’re counting every rupee,” said Wajid Khan, a university student. In contrast, daily-wage worker Aslam Shah said, “If it helps keep the buses running, I’ll manage.”
KPUMA emphasized that the fare revision is part of a long-term strategy to keep the system self-sustaining while still offering subsidies to students and senior citizens. The authority also stated that no compromise would be made on service quality or coverage.
As the city continues to rely heavily on the BRT system for daily commutes, the fare hike marks a key shift in its operational model. While the move may face initial resistance, authorities remain confident that it will support better service delivery in the long run.
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