The Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is expected to raise its fares by Rs5 per stop, increasing the base fare from Rs15 to Rs20.
A spokesperson has attributed this adjustment to the recent hike in electricity prices. Consequently, the maximum fare for the entire BRT route is anticipated to rise from Rs55 to Rs60.
Reports indicate that BRT Peshawar has incurred yearly losses exceeding Rs6 billion, prompting considerations for various measures to mitigate these losses, including fare hikes.
The projected fare increase is expected to generate an additional revenue of Rs670 million. A Rs10 increase could potentially yield Rs1.36 billion more.
Government sources point out that the monthly costs of electricity and diesel for BRT operations exceed Rs200 million. The finance department is seeking further proposals from relevant authorities to address these losses.
Muzzammil Aslam, Advisor to KP Chief Minister for Finance, stressed the inevitability of fare adjustments due to rising inflation. He emphasized the need for minimal fare increments and directed TransPeshawar to reduce BRT expenditures, including a review of contracts with contractors.
