Punjab is stepping into a new era of mobility, and this year’s Transport Expo 2025 in Lahore gave a clear preview of how public and private commuting could look in the next few years. From e-taxis to hybrid buses and even rail-free trams, the event showcased projects that could significantly reshape the way people move around the province.
Electric Taxis: Youth Employment Meets Green Transport
The government’s E-Taxi Scheme is one of the most immediate initiatives. In its first phase, 1,100 electric taxis will hit the roads of Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
More than just a transport upgrade, the program aims to create income opportunities—mainly for young drivers—while cutting down urban pollution. Registrations began in September 2025, with vehicle distribution expected to start in December.
The scheme offers interest-free financing, though drivers must make a steep upfront payment of 30% (around Rs. 18–20 lakh). Monthly installments will be about Rs. 60,000. Select applicants will also receive up to 30% government subsidy.
The taxis—Honri Ve 2.0 and Dongfeng Box models—can travel up to 300 km on a single charge and come equipped with GPS tracking and smart meters under the official E-Taxi brand.
Intercity EV Bus: Daewoo’s Early Lead
While the taxi program is still gearing up, Daewoo Express has already put Pakistan’s first electric intercity bus into operation, connecting Lahore with Sargodha.
The Golden Dragon coach runs on a 350 kWh battery, offering performance comparable to a 6,000cc diesel engine—but without the smoke, noise, or high running costs. A 240 kW fast-charging station supports the service, making long-haul EV travel a practical reality on Pakistani highways for the first time.
This development is particularly significant because intercity travel is often left out of EV adoption plans, which usually focus on city transport. If successful, Daewoo’s move could push other operators to follow suit.
Hybrid Buses: A Transitional Step
At the expo, Yutong’s hybrid city buses were also on display, signaling that the government is considering a middle ground before going fully electric.
These buses combine conventional diesel engines with electric systems, promising 30–50% lower fuel use. Two versions are planned: a smaller nine-meter model for 61 passengers, and a larger 12-meter version carrying up to 95 people. Both will be fully air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and capped at 70 km/h for urban safety.
While there’s no confirmed launch date, the hybrid fleet would complement the existing electric buses in Lahore and provide a bridge toward full electrification of city transport.
The Rail-Free Tram: A Bold Experiment
Perhaps the most futuristic project at the expo was the Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (SRT) tram, developed by China’s Norinco International. Unlike conventional trams, the SRT doesn’t need tracks—it uses cameras and sensors to follow a virtual guide path painted on roads.
Punjab plans to roll out 18 trams in the first phase by next year, each capable of carrying 320 passengers—roughly equivalent to four or five standard buses.
With speeds of up to 100 km/h (though slower in cities), the trams will be able to recharge 25 km of range in just 10 minutes. Some versions could even be hydrogen-powered, extending range to 200 km.
The trackless tram could be a cost-effective alternative to heavy rail and metro systems, potentially transforming urban mobility without the massive expense of underground infrastructure.
The Bigger Picture
The Transport Expo made it clear that Punjab is not just experimenting—it’s preparing for a shift. The E-Taxi scheme tackles unemployment and private commuting, the Daewoo EV coach sets a precedent for intercity travel, hybrid buses provide a transitional path for urban mobility, and the SRT tram hints at a leap into futuristic, scalable transport solutions.
If these projects roll out as planned, Punjab could position itself as a leader in sustainable transport within South Asia. The real test, however, will be in execution: affordability for drivers and passengers, reliable charging infrastructure, and long-term government commitment.
