Lahore: The Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA) has abolished the token and legacy card system for the Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo buses, and Metro Bus services, introducing alternative digital payment methods for commuters.
In a statement, Uzair Shah, In-Charge of the Mass Transit Authority, said passengers will no longer be able to use the old transit cards or tokens for travel.
Instead, commuters can now pay their fares using T-Cash cards, the official mobile application, and ATM/debit cards, as part of the authority’s updated fare collection system.
The authority also announced that any remaining balance on old transit cards will not be refunded.
However, passengers who return their old cards at designated stations will receive Rs130, representing the refundable security deposit paid when the card was issued.
Uzair Shah urged all passengers to submit their old cards at the relevant stations to claim the security deposit.
Meanwhile, several commuters expressed dissatisfaction with the transition, claiming they were not informed in advance about the discontinuation of the card system.
Passengers also alleged that despite the announcement ending the old card system, some cards were still being recharged, creating confusion among users.
The Mass Transit Authority has not yet commented on these complaints or clarified how passengers who recently recharged their old cards will be accommodated.
The move is part of efforts to modernise fare collection across Lahore’s public transport network by expanding the use of digital and contactless payment options. Further guidance for passengers is expected from the authority regarding the transition to the new payment system.
About The Author
