ISLAMABAD: The regional transport authorities of Islamabad-Rawalpindi have approved four new public transport routes to link the twin cities with the new International Islamabad Airport and facilitate commuters. The authorities approved a public transport route from Rawat to Secretariat, Secretariat to Blue Area, Blue Area to Kashmir Highway and Kashmir Highway to Motorway Chowk, a top official of federal capital informed. He said that initially, 50 air-conditioned mini buses would run on all the four routes with Rs 6 per kilometre fare while the total fare would not exceed Rs 260, adding that the transport service would be available round-the-clock in all days of the week, and the test drive would begin next week. Talking about the routes of Islamabad, Assistant Commissioner Islamabad Saad Bin Asad, said two of these transport routes of the capital would link the city with the new international airport. He said that the route from the Secretariat to the new airport would touch metro bus stations at five places, hence facilitate maximum number of people. He further said that initially, 20 air-conditioned mini buses would be put on the two routes of Islamabad, adding that a company has been given approval for running the transport on the routes after scrutiny from the authorities while building of bus stands on Rawat, Koral Chowk and new airport would be initiated soon. He said the capital administration has also proposed other transport routes for D-17, D-12 and E-11. Meanwhile, Regional Transport Authority Secretary Khalid Yameen Satti informed media that two transit routes from Rawalpindi to tge new International Airport have been approved by authorities. Published in Daily Times, April 16th 2018.