LAHORE, Feb 10: The Punjab Government spent Rs29.821 billion for completing the Metro Bus Project through its own resources to facilitate the general public.

Talking to media on Sunday, Planning and Development Board’s Chairman Javaid Aslam said the MBS had been acknowledged as the cheapest mass transit system for general public and this bus service was presently being operated in over 60 countries of the world.

“Since any city having population of over 5 million badly needs a mass transit system, the MBS was chosen as the most optimal system based on international experiences,” he added.

Aslam disclosed that for Lahore, this system was built on a 27km route, which was recommended by SYSTRA as most feasible rout for light rail operation. “The MBS has however been completed at only 15 to 20 per cent of the light rail cost,” he said, adding that the project was divided into eleven packages.