LAHORE(National times)- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will inaugurate the province’s first-ever e-taxi scheme today, marking a significant step toward promoting electric vehicles and environmentally friendly transport. According to official details, 1,100 electric vehicles (EVs) will be distributed in the first phase of the initiative. The scheme reserves a 30 percent quota for women. Vehicles driven by female drivers will feature a distinct color to ensure easy identification. Under the scheme, the Punjab government will cover 50 percent of the down payment for male drivers and 60 percent for female drivers. Additionally, the government will bear the costs of vehicle registration, fitness tests and token tax fees. The remaining amount will be payable in easy installments over five years. To enhance safety for both drivers and passengers, each e-taxi will be equipped with a “panic button” linked to the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. The vehicles will be registered with ride-hailing platforms including inDrive and Yango. Fast chargers will also be installed at public locations to facilitate vehicle charging. The scheme will further provide digital payment facilities to ensure convenience and transparency in transactions.