Punjab T-Cash Card Price. The Punjab T-Cash Card price has officially increased from Rs.130 to Rs.260 for Metro Bus and Orange Line Train users. The Punjab Transport Department added a Rs.130 delivery fee, doubling the total cost compared to previous years. This change has affected passengers in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, leading to widespread criticism on social media. Since the public transport system in Punjab is now completely cashless, the T-Cash Card is compulsory for all commuters.
What Is the Punjab T-Cash Card?
The T-Cash Card is a reloadable smart travel card introduced by the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA). It is used to pay fares on:
- Lahore Metro Bus
- Multan Metro Bus
- Orange Line Train
How It Works
- Tap the card at entry and exit gates.
- The fare is automatically deducted.
- No cash is required for travel.
With more than 150,000 daily users, it is one of Pakistan’s most widely used transport cards, helping promote digital payments and fast check-in/out at stations.
Why Has the T-Cash Card Price Increased?
According to the Transport Department, the price hike was introduced to cover:
- Rising operational and administrative costs
- Printing and production fees for cards
- Logistics and delivery expenses
Officials claim the new price is necessary to maintain service quality.
However, commuters—especially students and daily-wage workers—have criticized the sudden price jump, calling the Rs.130 delivery fee unfair.
Punjab T-Cash Card Price Breakdown (2025 Updated)
| Category | Old Price | New Price (Nov 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Card Fee | Rs.130 | Rs.130 |
| Delivery Charges | — | Rs.130 |
| Total Payable | Rs.130 | Rs.260 |
This new rate applies to all freshly issued cards across Punjab Mass Transit Authority systems.
Public Reaction Across Punjab
The price increase sparked frustration among commuters:
- Students say the new cost is too high for regular travel.
- Social media users criticize the unnecessary delivery charges.
- Many demand discounts, especially for students and senior citizens.
A commuter commented, “It’s just a transport card, not a luxury. Rs.260 is too much for daily travelers.”
With inflation and rising living costs, the increased fee adds extra stress for many households.
Impact on Daily Commuters
The revised T-Cash Card price affects:
- Students who travel daily for classes
- Office employees who commute across districts
- Laborers relying on low-cost public transport
- Families who need multiple cards
For example, a family of three now spends Rs.780 on new cards alone.
Recharge & Usage Guide
Here is the updated usage information:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Recharge | Rs.100 |
| Maximum Limit | Rs.5,000 |
| Recharge Points | All Metro & Orange Line stations |
| Replacement Fee | Rs.260 |
| Validity | No expiry (with regular use) |
Commuters can recharge at station counters or use the upcoming PMTA mobile app for digital top-ups.
Comparison With Global Transport Cards
| Transport Card | Country | Initial Cost | Usability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab T-Cash Card | Pakistan | Rs.260 | Metro & Orange Line |
| Oyster Card | UK | £5 (~Rs.1,700) | London Underground |
| Octopus Card | Hong Kong | HKD 50 (~Rs.1,800) | Bus & MTR |
| MetroCard | USA | $1 (~Rs.280) | Subway & Bus |
Although cheaper than international cards, the T-Cash Card is relatively expensive for local income levels.
Expert Opinion on the New Fare Policy
Transport analysts believe the price increase may reduce ridership, especially among low-income groups.
Experts suggest alternatives such as:
- Corporate sponsorships
- Government subsidies
- Student and senior citizen discounts
Affordability is essential for a successful public transport system.
How to Get a New Punjab T-Cash Card (Step-by-Step)
- Visit any Metro Bus or Orange Line station counter.
- Request a new T-Cash Card.
- Pay Rs.260 (Rs.130 card fee + Rs.130 delivery fee).
- Recharge your card at the counter or kiosk.
- Tap the card at entry gates to start using it.
- Keep the receipt in case the card is faulty or damaged.
Future of Punjab’s Digital Transit System
PMTA is working on major improvements:
- Linking T-Cash Cards with JazzCash & Easypaisa
- Launching student discount cards
- Expanding the digital fare system to more cities by 2026
- Integrating Speedo Bus and electric bus routes
These initiatives aim to improve convenience but must balance cost and public affordability.
Conclusion
The Punjab T-Cash Card price increase to Rs.260 has doubled the original cost, causing concern among commuters already struggling with inflation. While the Transport Department cites operational and delivery costs, many users feel the new charges are excessive. As Punjab moves toward a fully digital transit system, maintaining affordability will be crucial for sustaining public confidence and ridership.
FAQs – Punjab T-Cash Card 2025
Q1: What is the new T-Cash Card price?
A: The new price is Rs.260, including the Rs.130 delivery fee.
Q2: Why was the card price increased?
A: Due to operational, printing, and delivery expenses.
Q3: Is the T-Cash Card mandatory?
A: Yes. Metro Bus, Orange Line Train, and Multan Metro all operate cashlessly.
Q4: Are there discounts for students or senior citizens?
A: No discount policy has been announced yet.
