TransPeshawar, the authority behind the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in Peshawar, has declared a new fare regime that will be implemented on July 1, 2025. The updated fares will affect thousands of commuters who rely on the BRT system daily for affordable and efficient public transportation.
As per the revised schedule, each stop will now cost Rs10 more than before. For example, a 5-kilometre trip that currently costs Rs20 will increase to Rs30. Similarly, longer rides extending up to 40 kilometres will be priced at Rs70, reflecting a Rs10 increase.
The cost of single-use tickets is also being revised from Rs60 to Rs70, aligning with the broader fare update across the transit system.
Officials at TransPeshawar cited operational cost pressures and inflationary trends as the key reasons behind the increase. The decision was ratified in a formal Board of Governors meeting after evaluating financial forecasts and system sustainability models.
BRT’s Controversial Past Revisited
This announcement follows a major breakthrough by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) earlier in the year, when it declared the recovery of Rs168.5 billion in connection with the BRT Peshawar project. It remains the largest recovery in NAB’s 25-year history.
The BRT project, launched with high expectations, became embroiled in controversy shortly after construction began. NAB’s investigation, which started in 2018, exposed several issues, including unauthorized contract awards, violations of procurement procedures, and massive fund mismanagement.
A key development was NAB’s success in having Rs31.5 billion in contractor claims dismissed at the International Court of Arbitration. The bureau also conducted deep forensic financial analysis, auditing more than 400 bank accounts and revealing further misconduct.
Despite these setbacks, the BRT system continues to play an essential role in urban mobility, offering a reliable transportation option to thousands of Peshawar residents. The fare increase marks an important step in realigning the project’s financial sustainability with its public service mandate.