The province will allocate roughly Rs 9 billion each year to let seniors ride the BRT for free.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s cabinet has green‑lit a new provision under the Ehsaas Buzurg Card scheme that waives fares for citizens aged 60 years and above on all BRT routes. Holders of the card can simply flash it at the entrance gate and board without paying, a move aimed at easing the daily commute for an aging population that often depends on public transport for medical visits, market trips and social engagements.
Finance officials estimate the annual fiscal impact to be around Rs 9 billion, a sum that will be absorbed by the provincial treasury. While the figure represents a modest share of KPK’s overall budget, it signals a shift toward targeted social welfare spending, complementing other Ehsaas initiatives such as health subsidies and cash assistance for low‑income families.
The decision comes as the province continues to expand its BRT network in cities like Peshawar, Swat and Abbottabad, where ridership has surged in recent years. By removing the cost barrier for older commuters, authorities hope to boost overall utilization, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and promote a more inclusive urban transport ecosystem—an objective echoed in national transport policies that stress accessibility for vulnerable groups.
Senior citizen associations have welcomed the measure, noting that it will alleviate financial strain and improve mobility for millions of elders. Transport operators, meanwhile, are preparing to integrate the card verification system across all BRT stations. Challenges may arise in ensuring seamless card validation and preventing revenue leakage, but officials are confident that the social benefits—greater independence for seniors and a more equitable public‑transport system—outweigh the logistical hurdles.