ISLAMABAD: Metro bus authorities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have ended free travel on the Red and Green metro bus services, officials announced on Friday. They said the decision will take effect from Saturday, June 13, 2026. The move reverses the temporary free travel introduced a few months ago after fuel price spikes.
Last month, Islamabad authorities ended free travel on the Orange buses, being operated on N-5 (26 Number Stop) to Faiz Ahmad Faiz Station and from N-5 to Islamabad International Airport. However, the free metro travel facility was available on the Red and Green Metros in the twin cities, which will end tomorrow (June 13), a day after the announcement of the new budget for 2026-27.
Fare structure restored
Under the revised plan, passengers will now pay Rs 30 for the Red Metro Bus and Rs 20 for the Green Electric Bus in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Authorities did not clarify whether the T-Cash card introduced in 2025 will be valid for travel.
Passenger payment concerns
The free travel facility was launched earlier by the federal and Punjab governments to ease commuting costs after a sharp rise in domestic fuel prices during regional tensions. Officials had argued that the subsidy was necessary when crude oil prices crossed 100 dollars per barrel before easing below 90 dollars this week.
However, with recent stabilization in global markets, transport authorities decided to discontinue the subsidy and restore fare collection across both metro systems. The decision is expected to impact daily commuters who rely heavily on affordable mass transit between the twin cities. Authorities said they are still reviewing payment integration issues related to the T-Cash card system. No further update has been issued regarding technical compatibility or future concessions for frequent travelers. Commuters have been advised to plan travel budgets accordingly as the new fares take effect from Saturday morning.
Officials expect normal operations to continue without disruption across the Rawalpindi Islamabad metro network. Further announcements may follow depending on inflation trends and fuel price movements in coming weeks. Passengers remain uncertain about digital ticketing acceptance going forward system updates.
