Punjab ends Metro Bus, Orange Line and Speedo card system, introduces digital payments

The Punjab Mass Transit Authority (MTA) has officially abolished the old token and smart card payment system for Lahore's Orange Line Metro Train, Metro Bus and Speedo Bus services, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday.

The decision was confirmed by MTA In-charge Uzair Shah, who said passengers will no longer be able to use the old tokens or smart cards.

Instead, commuters can now pay fares through T-Cash cards, the official mobile application, ATM cards and bank cards.

According to the authority, passengers holding old travel cards must return them to their nearest transit station.

While the Rs130 security deposit paid at the time of card issuance will be refunded upon returning the card, any unused balance remaining on the old cards will not be reimbursed.

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Officials said the new digital payment system has been introduced to modernize fare collection, improve passenger convenience and reduce waiting times at stations.

The announcement, however, has drawn criticism from commuters.

Many passengers complained that they were not informed in advance about the discontinuation of the old payment system, leaving them confused about the transition.

 Some also claimed that despite the policy change, several stations were still allowing passengers to recharge the old cards.

Several commuters welcomed the shift towards digital payments but objected to the authority's decision not to refund the remaining balance stored on old cards.

They urged the Mass Transit Authority to reconsider the policy and compensate affected passengers to ensure a fair and transparent transition.

Many passengers also called on the authority to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate commuters about the new payment methods before the old system is completely phased out.