Highlights from the Punjab Transport Expo 2025: E-Taxi, Hybrid Busses, TRAM and More
We visited the Punjab Transport Expo 2025 to see how the province is preparing for a new era of public transport.
From electric intercity coaches already on the road to hybrid city buses and the futuristic SRT tram system, here is a complete guide on it:
Punjab E-Taxi Scheme 2025
The scheme will distribute 1,100 electric taxis in its first phase, designed to modernize the private ride-hailing services and create new income opportunities, especially for the youth.
Registrations have been open since September 1, 2025, and distribution is scheduled to start in December 2025.
The program offers interest-free installments with a down payment of around 30% (Rs. 18–20 lakh) and monthly installments of approximately Rs. 60,000. The rollout will initially focus on major cities: Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
| Feature | Details |
| Vehicle Type | Honri Ve 2.0 and Dongfeng Box |
| Range per Charge | 250–300 km |
| Total Cost | Rs. 65 lakh |
| Down Payment | Rs. 18–20 lakh (Approx. 30%) |
| Monthly Installment | Approx. Rs. 60,000 (interest-free) |
| Government Subsidy | Up to 30% for selected applicants |
| Technology | GPS tracking, Smart Meter, branded as E-Taxi |
| Launch Cities | Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan |
| Start Timeline | Registration: Sept 2025 · Distribution: Dec 2025 |
Pakistan’s First Intercity Electric Coach
This bus is powered by a 350 kWh battery, providing the stamina necessary for intercity routes. The electric motor provides power roughly equal to a 5,500–6,000cc diesel engine, but with smoother acceleration and no exhaust smoke.
The backbone of this operation is the 240 kW fast charger installed by Daewoo, which operates on 400-volt AC power.
| Feature | Golden Dragon EV Coach (Daewoo) |
| Route | Lahore – Sargodha (operational) |
| Battery capacity | 350 kWh |
| Equivalent engine size | 5,500–6,000cc diesel engine (approx) |
| Passenger comfort | Air suspension |
| Luggage capacity | ~3 cubic meters |
| Charging system | 240 kW DC fast charger |
Yutong Hybrid Buses
Currently, there is no official confirmation on when these buses will be rolled out. At the Transport Expo, we saw display units that closely resemble the fully electric models already operating in Lahore, but in a hybrid version.
These buses combine a conventional engine with an electric drive system, resulting in a 30–50% reduction in fuel consumption (the company claimed).
Two sizes are planned. The smaller model is just under 9 meters and can carry around 61 passengers. The larger one is a full 12-meter bus with space for up to 95 passengers.
| Feature | Small Hybrid | Large Hybrid |
| Engine size (cc) | ~4,200 cc + hybrid drive | ~6,200 cc + hybrid drive |
| Passenger capacity | Up to 61 | Up to 95 |
| Top speed | 70 km/h (urban limit) | 70 km/h (urban limit) |
| Fuel tank | 120 L | 250 L (125+125) |
| Air-conditioning | Full bus AC (24,000 kcal/h) | Full bus AC (38,000 kcal/h) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair space | Wheelchair space |
The Tram Project
Unlike traditional trams, it does not require rails. Instead, it follows a virtual track on the road using cameras and sensors. This makes it much cheaper and faster to deploy than a metro or light rail system.
During our visit, stall representatives shared that the Punjab government plans to introduce approximately 18 SRT trams in the first phase, with the launch expected next year.
Each tram will have the capacity to carry up to 320 passengers, which is roughly the equivalent of four to five standard city buses.
| Feature | SRT Tram |
| Passenger capacity | Up to 320 |
| Speed | 100 km/h (urban operations slower) |
| Charging time | 10 min = 25 km |
| Full range | 100 km (200 km hydrogen) |
| Vehicle length | 21–43 m (depending on modules) |
| Accessibility | 100% low floor, wide aisles |