The Sindh government today approved plans to introduce exclusive electric bus routes under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and launch a new People’s Bus Service route linking Larkana and Qambar, as it accelerates efforts to expand public transport and promote environmentally friendly mobility.
The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. The meeting, attended by Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, Trans Karachi CEO Zubair Channa, and other senior officials, reviewed the progress of ongoing and proposed transport projects, including the People’s Bus Service, Green Line and Orange Line BRT systems, double-decker buses, electric buses, and the proposed EV taxi service.
Addressing the meeting, Memon said the government planned to introduce dedicated bus corridors under the PPP model, with selected routes to be operated by private companies and investors. He said modern, air-conditioned electric buses would operate on these routes, which would be awarded through auctions or other competitive bidding mechanisms. According to him, the initiative aims to improve the quality and safety of public transport while encouraging private-sector investment in the province’s transport network.
The senior minister directed officials to launch the Larkana-Qambar People’s Bus Service route at the earliest, saying it would improve commuting facilities for thousands of residents and strengthen commercial activity and connectivity between the two districts. He instructed the relevant authorities to complete all administrative and operational requirements without delay.
Officials informed the meeting that consultations with stakeholders on the electric vehicle (EV) taxi project were continuing and that the initiative was progressing steadily. Memon said an environmentally friendly EV taxi service would soon be introduced in Karachi, offering residents modern and comfortable transport while helping reduce urban pollution.
He also directed officials to complete route planning and administrative preparations for additional double-decker buses expected to arrive in Karachi, enabling the service to be launched promptly upon their arrival.
Reviewing operational performance, Memon said daily ridership on the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system had increased from 50,000 to 81,000 passengers, while Orange Line ridership had risen from 1,800 to 9,800 passengers. He described the growth as evidence of increasing public confidence in the province’s mass transit system. He added that the women-only Pink Bus Service operating on the Green Line had received an encouraging response, particularly from female commuters.
During the meeting, Memon also took notice of the misuse of Pink Scooties and directed authorities to prevent men from using the women-designated vehicles. He warned that legal action would be taken against violators and instructed officials to confiscate Pink Scooties found being used by men. He further ordered strict action against individuals found repainting or wrapping the vehicles to conceal their original colour.
Memon reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to completing all ongoing and planned transport projects on schedule, saying the objective was to provide residents with modern, safe, environmentally sustainable, and high-quality public transport services.