LAHORE (special crosspondent) – The Punjab government has officially abolished the traditional token and legacy smart card system for Lahore’s Orange Line Metro Train, Metro Bus, and Speedo Bus services, transitioning fully to a modernized digital fare payment infrastructure. This update marks a significant shift in how citizens utilize public transit, aligning the city with global smart-city standards.

Under the newly implemented framework, passengers can now pay fares using the T-Cash Card, the eTransit Punjab mobile application, debit/ATM cards, and other contactless digital payment methods. This initiative effectively eliminates the requirement for paper tokens and outdated transit cards. As the government continues its drive to modernize infrastructure, similar efforts are seen in other sectors, such as Ahsan Iqbal Highlights Pakistan’s Rapid Shift Toward Electric Vehicle Revolution, reflecting a broader commitment to technological integration.

Phased Transition and Policy Updates

According to officials from the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA), the transition is a core component of the provincial government’s strategy to transform public transport into a fully cashless and digitally integrated network. The system is engineered to provide enhanced speed, security, and convenience for daily commuters across all major mass transit routes.

PMTA representatives have confirmed that legacy transit cards will no longer be accepted for travel. Passengers are encouraged to return their obsolete cards to designated stations. While the Rs130 security deposit will be refunded upon the return of the card, officials clarified that any remaining balance on these legacy cards will not be reimbursed, a policy that has prompted some public discussion regarding potential improvements, similar to how administrative oversight remains critical in projects like the Minister Talal Chaudhry Reviews Progress of Islamabad Model Jail Project.

Project Background and Implementation

The digital fare collection project received formal approval from the Punjab government last year as a central pillar of its public transport modernization strategy. Following a period of phased implementation, the eTransit Punjab App and T-Cash Card were officially inaugurated on July 25, 2026. The subsequent decommissioning of the traditional token and legacy card system took effect on July 26.

By enabling a single, unified payment method across the Orange Line, Metro Bus, and Speedo services, the authorities aim to significantly reduce waiting times at ticket counters and streamline the daily transit experience. Despite the efficiency gains, some commuters have expressed concerns regarding the non-refund policy for unused balances. These passengers have formally urged transit authorities to establish a mechanism that allows for the transfer of remaining funds to the new digital platform or a direct reimbursement to cardholders.