Chief Minister Najam Sethi on Monday said that the provision of modern, safe and comfortable travelling facility is the responsibility of the government. He said that modern public transport system is the sign of a civilised society and travelling facilities can be improved by modernising transport system on modern lines. He said metro bus project was providing safe and speedy transport facilities to the citizens and millions of people are travelling by these modern buses.

General Manager Metro Bus Authority while giving a briefing about metro bus system informed that more than 1.25 lakh citizens are travelling by metro buses daily. He said that besides token, card system has also been introduced for the convenience of the passengers. He said that in view of the increasing rush, 19 metro buses are being imported after which the total number of commuters travelling by metro buses will increase to 1.60 lakh daily.

Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Finance, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Commissioner Lahore Division, Chief Traffic Officer and senior officers of Metro Bus Authority attended the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Najam Sethi said that a modern public transport system is of vital importance in the present age.  He said that transport system can be improved by utilising modern technology and better facilities can be provided to the citizens. He said that modern transport system is the need of the time so that people could reach their destination without wasting their time.

He said that metro bus project is helping in solution of traffic problems and has left a positive impact on the traffic system of the provincial metropolis.

He directed that the escalators installed at metro bus stations for the benefit of the disabled and senior citizens should be kept in a working condition.

He said that immediate arrangements should be made for the safety and maintenance of escalators while measures should be taken for covering the system with modern methods so as to protect them from rain and dust.