Safety concerns and a lack of reliable options have long plagued public transportation in Karachi, leaving commuters with limited choices. However, the Sindh government has taken a significant step towards addressing these issues with the introduction of the Pink Bus Route Line.
As the nation’s first-ever women-only bus service, it aims to provide a safe and convenient mode of transportation for females in Karachi. In this blog, Graana.com provides the details of this groundbreaking initiative, including its objectives, routes, and the benefits it brings to the community.
The Pink Bus Service was officially introduced by the Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. During the inauguration, he announced the expansion plans to include more buses and extend the service to other cities within the province. It was emphasised that the success of the Pink Bus Route depends on the active participation and ownership of the community.
Female MPs highlighted the need for improved safety measures and convenient options for women, acknowledging the risks and inconveniences they face during their daily commutes. The Pink Bus Route received acclaim as a means of protecting women from harassment and subsequently ensuring their safety during travel.
People called for the expansion of the service throughout the city, and architect Marvi Mazhar even suggested establishing a pink boat service for women residing on the city’s islands.
During the inauguration, Sharjeel Inam Memon provided details about the initial route of the Pink Bus Service, which runs from Model Colony Malir to Tower via Shahrah-e-Faisal. The service operates to cater to the needs of college and university students, as well as office-going women, during both peak and off-peak hours. The fare was set at an affordable Rs. 50, making the service accessible to a wide range of commuters. The authorities initially introduced four buses to operate on the inaugural route, ensuring convenient transportation for women in the designated areas.
The existing state of public transport in Karachi called for improvement, highlighting the challenges faced by commuters. Alongside the Pink Bus Service, the People’s Bus Service, metro bus service, and the People’s Electric Bus Service have been introduced as additional initiatives to improve public transportation. The People’s Bus Service offers various routes, affordable fares, and hybrid air-conditioned buses.
The Pink Bus Route has ambitious plans for expansion in the future. Also, the authorities will introduce additional routes and buses to cater to a larger population and improve accessibility. One of the upcoming routes will connect Power Chowrangi to Indus Hospital via various key locations in the city.
The Sindh Mass Transit Authority will play a crucial role in managing and expanding the bus services to meet the growing demands of commuters. Furthermore, plans are underway to launch the People’s Bus Service in Hyderabad and Sukkur, extending the benefits of improved public transportation to other cities in the province.
The inauguration ceremony of the Pink Bus Service witnessed the presence of notable personalities, including Sharmila Farooqui, Marvi Rashidi, Sadia Javed, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Marvi Mazhar, and various TV hosts and actors.
The attendees expressed positive feedback and appreciation for the dedicated bus service, recognising its role in safeguarding women from harassment and ensuring their well-being during their daily travels.
Continuous monitoring and improvements are necessary to address any operational issues, and ensure that the service remains efficient and reliable. The service should actively incorporate feedback from commuters to further enhance it and cater to their specific needs.
Additional amenities on the buses should also be provided in the future, such as onboard security measures, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating arrangements, to enhance the overall experience for passengers.
By improving accessibility to educational institutions and workplaces, the service will contribute to increased productivity and economic growth. Furthermore, by providing a safe and reliable mode of transportation, the service empowers women, encouraging their active participation in various spheres of life.
Moreover, the initiative promotes gender equality by addressing the specific transportation needs of women and ensuring equal opportunities for mobility.
With the commitment of the Sindh government and the active involvement of the community, the Pink Bus Service has the potential to serve as a model for other regions in creating gender-sensitive and efficient public transportation networks.
For more information, visit Graana.com.
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