Karachi Expands Peoples Bus Service, Quetta’s Green Bus Plan Disapproved
Karachi's Public Transport Expansion and Quetta's Mass Transit Rejection
In a recent meeting chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, proposals were put forward for the expansion of the Peoples Bus Service (PBS) in Karachi.
The plans include the introduction of new routes in areas such as Malir, Keamari, Lyari, and district West. It was also decided to commence trial runs on Monday for buses on new routes from Hawkesbay to Saddar and Manghopir to Banaras.
Additionally, there are plans to extend the bus service route from Ziauddin Hospital to Chakiwara Chowk via Bilawal Chowrangi, 26 Street, Ghazri Lane, CM House, Sultanabad, and Mauripur.
The meeting included PPP MNAs, MPAs, officials from the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, and the Peoples Bus Service project director.
Balochistan’s Quest for Green Buses: Quetta Awaits Federal Approval for Mass Transit Plan
On the other hand, the Balochistan government’s proposal to introduce 100 green buses for Quetta’s public transport system has been disapproved by the federal government.
The proposal aimed to improve the transportation facilities in the provincial capital.
Despite efforts to include the plan in the upcoming federal budget, it was rejected, leaving Balochistan as the only province without mass transit transport.
Currently, only eight green buses operate on a public-private partnership basis from Balochistan University to Baleli, charging a fare of Rs40 per passenger.
Although the proposal has been shelved, the provincial government is determined to pursue the green bus plan and hopes to negotiate its approval with the federal authorities.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind emphasized that providing mass transit green buses in Quetta remains a priority, even if not all 100 buses are obtained, and efforts will be made to secure them through the provincial budget if necessary.