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Islamabad Metro Bus Free Rides 2025
Islamabad, the picturesque capital of Pakistan, is revolutionizing its public transportation with the expanded Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus system, featuring the Orange, Green, and Blue Lines alongside the pioneering Red Line. This modern transit network, spanning over 83.6 km, connects bustling business districts, serene suburbs, and key landmarks, making commuting efficient and eco-friendly.
Excitingly, these metro lines offered free rides for a limited period to encourage adoption, and now, as of June 1, 2025, new fare structures and upcoming discount packages are set to enhance accessibility for all. Whether you’re a daily commuter, student, or tourist, this system is designed to make your journey seamless and affordable.
What Are the Orange, Green, and Blue Lines?
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus system is a cornerstone of public transportation in the twin cities, connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi through four main routes: the Red, Orange, Green, and Blue Lines. Launched in 2015, the Red Line introduced bus rapid transit (BRT) to the region, while the newer Orange, Green, and Blue Lines, inaugurated in 2022, have expanded connectivity, making public transport more accessible than ever.
Here’s a snapshot of the three lines:
Orange Line Islamabad
Orange Line Islamabad: Stretches 25.6 km from Peshawar Morr to Islamabad International Airport, perfect for travelers and eastern Islamabad residents.
Green Line: Covers 15.5 km from Bhara Kahu to PIMS Hospital, serving suburban areas and central hubs.
Blue Line routes
Blue Line routes: Spans 20 km from Koral to PIMS Hospital, catering to commuters in central Islamabad.
These lines, launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in 2022, are part of a vision to create a sustainable, interconnected transit system that reduces traffic congestion and promotes eco-friendly travel.
Free Rides: A Game-Changer for Commuters
To celebrate the launch of the Green and Blue Lines in July 2022 and encourage public adoption, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) offered free rides for the first 30 days. This initiative, extended to the Orange Line during Ramadan, allowed commuters from all walks of life to experience modern, air-conditioned buses at no cost. The free ride period was a golden opportunity for residents, students, and visitors to test the system and integrate it into their daily routines.
Green Line fares
While the free ride period has concluded, the metro system remains a cost-effective option. As of June 1, 2025, the fare for the Orange, Green, Blue Lines, and electric buses has been set between PKR 50 to PKR 100, with the increase taking effect officially today. This adjustment, driven by administrative and financial reasons, supports the system’s sustainability, serving an impressive 90,000 passengers daily. To ensure affordability, the CDA is introducing a new proposed policy for fare discounts across various categories, including separate packages for office workers, students, and senior citizens. These proposed discount packages will be available on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly basis for those acquiring Metro Bus Cards, with work progressing swiftly and a notification expected soon.
Islamabad Metro Bus Free Rides Timings
Each metro line serves distinct areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage across Islamabad and beyond. Let’s break down the routes, key stops, and who benefits most. The service operates daily from 6:15 AM to 10:00 PM, with a fare of Rs 100 across all routes. The fare change took effect on June 1, 2025.
Orange Line: Your Gateway to the Airport
The Orange Line is a lifeline for travelers, connecting Peshawar Morr to Islamabad International Airport over 25.6 km. Launched on April 18, 2022, it features modern buses and dedicated lanes for a smooth, efficient ride.
Key Stops:
Faiz Ahmed Faiz: Interchange station linking to the Red Line.
H-9/G-9 and IIUI/G-10: Ideal for students and educators near academic hubs.
High Court: Convenient for legal professionals and visitors.
NUST/G-12: Serving one of Pakistan’s top universities.
Golra Mor and Grand Trunk Road: Connecting commercial areas.
26 No: A key stop for eastern Islamabad residents.
Who Benefits?
Travelers: Direct access to the airport, complemented by the Airport Shuttle Service from Badhana Kalan/G-16.
Students and Professionals: Stops near universities and business districts.
Tourists: Easy access to eastern sectors for sightseeing.
Green Line: Linking Suburbs to the City Core
The Green Line (15.5 km) runs from Bhara Kahu to PIMS Hospital, connecting residential areas and scenic destinations to central Islamabad’s commercial and administrative hubs.
Key Stops:
PIMS Hospital: A major healthcare facility.
G-7/G-8 and CDA: Perfect for government employees.
Aabpara and Foreign Office: Ideal for diplomats and administrative workers.
Lake View Park: A family-friendly leisure spot.
Malpur and Bhara Kahu: Linking suburban residents to the city.
Who Benefits?
Suburban Residents: The Bhara Kahu Bazaar shuttle ensures easy access.
Families and Tourists: Stops like Lake View Park are great for outings.
Commuters: Integration with the Red Line extends travel to Rawalpindi.
Future Plans: The Green Line is set to extend to Rawalpindi, enhancing regional connectivity.
Blue Line: Navigating Central Islamabad
The Blue Line (20 km) connects Koral to PIMS Hospital, offering a reliable route through central Islamabad for daily commuters.
Key Stops:
PIMS Hospital: Central hub for medical visits.
G-7/G-8 and H-8/Shakarparian: Serving residential and cultural areas.
Faizabad: Links to the Red and Orange Lines.
Sohan and Iqbal Town: Connecting central neighborhoods.
Koral: Supported by a PWD shuttle for suburban commuters.
Who Benefits?
Daily Commuters: Buses run every 15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Students and Workers: Stops near commercial and educational areas.
Suburban Residents: The PWD shuttle enhances accessibility.
New Fare Structure and Upcoming Discounts
As of June 1, 2025, the fare for the Orange, Green, Blue Lines, and electric buses ranges from PKR 50 to PKR 100, reflecting administrative and financial adjustments to maintain the system’s quality and sustainability. With 90,000 daily passengers, the metro system is a vital part of Islamabad’s infrastructure. To ensure affordability, the CDA is introducing a proposed fare discount policy tailored to various groups:
Office Workers: Discounted packages for daily commuters to business districts.
Students: Affordable rates for those traveling to schools and universities.
Senior Citizens: Special concessions to support elderly passengers.
These discounts will be available via Metro Bus Cards on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly basis, making it easier for regular commuters to save. The CDA is working swiftly to finalize these packages, with a notification expected soon. In the meantime, the e-ticketing system (tokens at PKR 50, Metro Bus Cards at PKR 130) ensures convenience for all passengers.
Why Choose the Metro Bus System?
The Orange, Green, and Blue Lines offer more than just transportation—they redefine how you experience Islamabad. Here’s why they stand out:
1. Eco-Friendly Travel
With plans for 160 HIGER model electric buses in areas like Rawat and Bara Kahu, the system reduces the city’s carbon footprint, promoting a greener Islamabad.
2. Affordable and Accessible
The new fare range (PKR 50–100) and upcoming discount packages make the system accessible to diverse groups. The free ride initiative showcased its affordability, and the proposed discounts will continue this legacy.
3. Modern Amenities
Air-Conditioned Buses: Comfortable travel in all seasons.
Free WiFi: Available at select stations for connectivity.
Frequent Service: Buses every 15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Intelligent Transportation System: Real-time tracking via the CMTA app.
4. Seamless Connectivity
Integration with the Red Line and feeder routes (e.g., FR-4 from Bari Imam to PIMS, FR-7 from PIMS to NUST) ensures comprehensive coverage.
5. Reduced Traffic Congestion
Serving 90,000 passengers daily, the metro system eases road congestion, making travel faster and less stressful.
How to Make the Most of the Metro System
With the free ride period concluded and new fares in place, here’s how to maximize your metro bus experience:
Plan Your Route: Use the CMTA app or website for route maps and schedules. Interchange stations like Faizabad and Faiz Ahmed Faiz simplify transfers.
Explore Destinations: Visit Lake View Park via the Green Line or take the Orange Line to the airport.
Travel Off-Peak: Midday trips can offer a quieter ride compared to busy morning and evening hours.
Get a Metro Bus Card: Prepare for the upcoming discount packages to save on daily, weekly, or monthly travel.
Stay Updated: Check the CMTA website for notifications on the new discount policy and other updates.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite its success, the metro system faces challenges. The Green and Blue Lines operate in mixed traffic, lacking dedicated lanes, which can cause delays. Safety concerns, like the absence of pedestrian crossings on highways, are being addressed by the CDA through infrastructure improvements and a standardized ticketing system.
Future enhancements include:
Green Line Extension: Connecting to Rawalpindi for broader access.
Red Line Expansion: New feeder routes for more neighborhoods.
New Feeder Routes: 13 routes identified, with four operational (e.g., FR-4A for QAU students).
Electric Buses: 160 electric buses to enhance sustainability.
Conclusion: Ride into Islamabad’s Future
Islamabad’s Orange, Green, and Blue Lines, complemented by upcoming electric buses, are transforming the capital’s transit landscape. With fares now set at PKR 50–100 as of June 1, 2025, and proposed discount packages for office workers, students, and seniors on the horizon, the metro system remains accessible and efficient. Serving 90,000 daily passengers, it’s a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, reducing congestion and promoting sustainability.
Download the CMTA app, grab your Metro Bus Card, and explore Islamabad’s vibrant neighborhoods with ease. Stay tuned for the CDA’s discount policy notification, and make the metro bus your go-to for affordable, eco-friendly travel!
Fahad Munir is a seasoned journalist and editor at Awam PK, specializing in sharing accurate and timely news, job updates, and educational information to the Pakistani audience.
