IN metropolitan cities all over world the government provides af fordable commuting services to its citizens. Such services arefast and reliable and have a high capacity.

A metro network may include interconnected aboveground/underground trains and buses. Metro fares are kept reasonably low. To meet the operational cost, and to make a profit for the private partner, if any, additional incomegenerating activities are carried out.

These include renting publicity places at metro stations where companies can place their advertisements in the shape of posters, hoardings and digital screens. Even the spaceinside trains and busesisutilized for advertisements. Small shops or stalls can also be installed at metro stations.

We have heard that our government is considering increasing the metro bus fare to reduce the losses it is incurring due to the subsidyitis providing.Itis suggested thatinstead ofshiftingthe burden on the public, the government should consider generating extra income by adopting measures referred to above.

Sohail Mustafa Lahore