Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved free BRT travel for senior citizens across the province.
The facility will be provided under the Ehsaas Buzurg Card programme. It aims to reduce transportation expenses for elderly residents.
The decision was taken during a meeting about the programme. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi chaired the meeting.
Under the initiative, citizens aged 60 years and above will qualify for free BRT travel.
Eligible citizens will use the Ehsaas Buzurg Card to access the free transport facility.
Who Is Eligible for Free BRT Travel?
The programme is designed for senior citizens aged 60 years or above.
However, eligible applicants will need to complete a verification process before receiving the card.
Officials said the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will verify eligible senior citizens.
This verification process will help ensure that the facility reaches qualified beneficiaries. According to the plan, verified senior citizens will receive their cards within five months.
Once issued, the card will allow beneficiaries to travel on BRT buses without paying the regular fare.
Free BRT Travel to Cost Rs935 Million Annually
Officials also briefed the meeting about the estimated financial impact of the programme.
Providing free BRT travel to elderly citizens is expected to cost around Rs935 million every year.
The provincial government will bear this cost to provide the transport facility to eligible senior citizens. The initiative is expected to make public transportation more affordable for older residents.
It could also improve access to essential services, markets, hospitals, and other important locations.
Fine for Misuse of Ehsaas Buzurg Card
The provincial government has also introduced measures to prevent misuse of the programme. Anyone found misusing an Ehsaas Buzurg Card will face a fine of Rs500.
The measure is intended to ensure that only eligible senior citizens benefit from the free travel facility.
Authorities are expected to use the verification system to maintain accurate beneficiary records. The programme forms part of the provincial government’s efforts to support elderly citizens.
Free BRT travel could reduce the regular financial burden of transportation for senior citizens.
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The five-month card issuance process will begin after beneficiaries complete the required NADRA verification.
