LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif yesterday launched the first tourist double-decker bus service at Punjab Stadium.
The Sightseeing Bus, from Punjab Stadium to Minar-e-Pakistan via Ferozpur Road, Canal Road, Mall Road, Lower Mall and Ravi Road, has been launched especially for the promotion of the tourism. The CM visited the bus terminal, souvenir centre and traveled by a double-decker bus.
Talking to media, the Chief Minister said that the first tourist bus service of the country was launched in the provincial metropolis.
He said that free service will be provided to senior citizens, children below the age of ten years and disabled persons. He said that students will be charged Rs100 while common citizens Rs200.
He said that double-decker buses used to ply in Lahore and other big cities and enhanced their beauty but with the passage of time these buses have vanished.
He said that in London, which is a historical city of Britain, these buses still operate and are a symbol of the city. Shahbaz said that double-decker buses that had vanished decades ago from Lahore and other cities of Punjab have been revived for the promotion of tourism.
He said that people of Lahore and other cities including elderly persons and children will have recreational tour of Lahore through double-decker buses and see the historical places of the Walled City.
He said that colorful rickshaws have also been arranged in the Walled City for the tourists of double-decker buses so that they could visit Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and other historical sites as well as enjoy traditional food in the Food Street and other places in the Walled City.
He said that the persons travelling by these buses would also see the streets and Havelis of the Walled City. He said that best security arrangements, trained staff and first-aid facility is available in these buses.
He said that the number of double-decker buses being operated for promotion of tourism will soon be increased. Shahbaz Sharif said that he had personally travelled by a double-decker bus and found it very comfortable and splendid.
Replying to questions of media, Shahbaz Sharif said that he has issued instructions to concerned authorities to increase the number of buses as it will promote tourism as well as the soft image of Pakistan.
Replying to a question, he said that metro bus service is a public transport facility and lakhs of people reach their destination only at a cost of Rs.20.
He said that teachers, students, employees, lawyers, doctors, workers and labourers benefit from this transport facility whereas tourist double-decker bus service is for the promotion of tourism, therefore, there is a difference between the fares of these buses. He said that opposition that criticizes metro bus project also travels by the metro buses and would also enjoy the ride of tourist double-decker buses.
The CM also vowed to fix traffic troubles being created due to work on Orange Line Metro Train project and he issued instructions to CTO in this regard.
He said that he is aware that people are facing traffic problems and these will be resolved on priority basis. He said that the problems caused during construction of Orange Line Metro Train project are temporary and will soon turn into a permanent facility. Members National and Provincial Assemblies, senior officials and administrative officers were also present on the occasion.