India, Feb. 2 -- The Punjab government has outlined a set of measures aimed at expanding state-run bus services, introducing digital ticketing and upgrading key bus terminals, with a focus on passenger amenities and safety. The steps include the planned induction of 1,279 buses across the PUNBUS and PRTC fleets, a state-wide rollout of cashless fare collection and online ticketing, and modernisation of bus terminals in five districts through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

A central element of Punjab's current public transport programme is the continuation of fare-free travel for women on government-owned buses. The government has argued that regular commuters who otherwise spend around Rs.50-100 a day on bus fares can reduce m...