logo
People's Bus Service to extend hours during Ramadan in Karachi

People's Bus Service to extend hours during Ramadan in Karachi

Express Tribune09-03-2025
The Sindh government has announced an extension in Peoples Bus Service operating hours during Ramadan, with buses running until 1 AM from the 15th of the holy month.
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the extended hours would apply to key routes, including R1, R2, R3, R4, R9, R10, and EV1.
He noted that the decision was taken to address the needs of Karachi residents who rely on public transport.
"We understand the challenges faced by commuters during Ramadan," Memon stated. "This initiative aims to provide safer and more convenient travel options, especially after late-night shopping."
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving public transport and urged citizens to take full advantage of the extended service hours.
Moreover, earlier this week, the Sindh government announced a scheme to award free 'pink scooters' to women through a lottery system, aimed at empowering female commuters in the province, Express News reported on Thursday.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon unveiled the initiative during a press conference in Karachi, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting women's mobility.
'A driving licence is mandatory for women to participate in the scheme,' Memon said, adding that the lucky draw would be held at an open event.
The initiative follows the provincial government's launch of the 'Pink Bus' service in 2023, dedicated to female passengers.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Support to media industry govt's top priority: Sharjeel
Support to media industry govt's top priority: Sharjeel

Express Tribune

time03-08-2025

  • Express Tribune

Support to media industry govt's top priority: Sharjeel

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon hosted a grand luncheon in honour of the journalists led by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) at a local hotel. Photo Express Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon hosted a grand luncheon in honour of the journalists led by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) at a local hotel. Sharjeel said that the Sindh government's policy is founded on the principles of protecting journalists, ensuring their welfare, and upholding freedom of expression. Sharjeel, emphasising that support for the media industry is a priority of his government, stated that they have always strived to maintain a media-friendly approach and promote the growth of the media sector. He added that ensuring the full implementation of the minimum wage law in media houses is a top priority of the government. He added that travelling on a Pakistani passport is now a source of pride and confidence. Today, the global respect for our passport has increased, and the country is on the path to progress.

World Bank team inspects Yellow Line BRT project
World Bank team inspects Yellow Line BRT project

Business Recorder

time28-07-2025

  • Business Recorder

World Bank team inspects Yellow Line BRT project

KARACHI: A high level delegation of World Bank visited the Yellow Line BRT project site office and inspected the ongoing construction near Jam Sadiq Bridge, Karachi Upon arrival at the site office, the delegation was received by Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon, Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, and Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo. The World Bank delegation comprised Regional Vice President Usman Deoni, Country Director for Pakistan Bolorma Amangabazar, Regional Practice Directors Fadia Saada and Almood Weitz, Operations Manager Gellius Draugelis, Special Assistant to the Regional Vice President Lubna Hadji, Operations Officer Hina Saleem Lotia, and Senior Executive Assistant Waleed Anwar. A meeting also convened upon the delegation's arrival at the Yellow Line BRT project site office. Sharjeel Inam Memon briefed the delegation comprehensively about the project, highlighting its importance, effect, and current status. He said that the Yellow Line BRT is a visionary and strategic project for Karachi, it will facilitate fast, affordable, and safe travel. The project will extend from Shahrah-e-Noor Jahan to the Korangi Industrial Area and Landhi and will serve millions of commuters on a daily basis. He stated that the Yellow Line will not only enhance citizen mobility but also stimulate economic activity. 'We aim to complete this project in line with international standards, with facilities comparable to those found in major global cities.' Memon emphasised that only electric buses will run on the Yellow Line BRT to ensure it remains fully environmentally friendly. He noted that Pakistan's first electric bus service and the Pink Bus Service for women were introduced under their leadership and are now operating successfully. Electric buses, he added, will significantly reduce environmental pollution and lead to substantial savings in fuel costs. He further said that an electric scooter program is being launched to give a boost to women, and in response to which, more than 8,000 applications were received. A major food chain company is also coming on board with the government to offer training, making sure women are well-equipped to be part of the scheme. Memon further said that this project is not merely a transport initiative; it's the groundwork for a social revolution. He also noted that work is progressing on the Karachi Circular Railway and the Karachi-to-Sukkur High-Speed Rail projects. He stated that to encourage investment, special economic zones have been established where investors are granted a ten-year tax exemption. While the rising value of the dollar has undoubtedly impacted the construction costs of the BRT project, the government remains committed to overcoming this challenge. The World Bank team commended the speed, vision, and quality of the Yellow Line BRT project and reiterated that Karachi, being a major city, needs more transport initiatives. They also expressed interest in the public-private partnership model and described the Sindh government's efforts as positive and forward-looking. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Capital widens vehicle emission drive
Capital widens vehicle emission drive

Express Tribune

time22-07-2025

  • Express Tribune

Capital widens vehicle emission drive

Excess diesel emissions are killing tens of thousands of people every year. PHOTO: AFP The Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) has expanded its vehicle emission testing initiative across the federal capital, urging citizens to ensure their cars meet environmental standards. The campaign aims to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality by enforcing mandatory inspections and maintenance. According to the spokesman of ICT administration, the ITA is actively conducting vehicle inspections under its Vehicle Emission Testing System. A dedicated inspection camp was recently set up at D-Chowk, where a large number of citizens brought their vehicles for testing. According to ITA Chairman Irfan Memon, the inspection drive began with vehicles belonging to government departments. In the next phase, the initiative was extended to include private vehicles owned by citizens. He noted that participation from the public has been encouraging, with many residents acknowledging the importance of checking vehicle emissions to protect the environment. Vehicles that pass the emission test at the camp are issued clearance stickers. These stickers indicate that the vehicle meets the required environmental standards. Irfan Memon emphasised that this step is necessary to control pollution levels in the city, and it is being executed with the help of advanced machinery. "The inspection process isn't limited to one area. We plan to expand it throughout the city using modern equipment," he further said. The ITA chief urged all vehicle owners to voluntarily present their cars for inspection and warned that vehicles failing the inspection or not maintained properly after testing will face strict action. "The ITA will conduct joint operations with Islamabad Traffic Police to take action against vehicles without clearance stickers. This is a collective effort to improve the city's air quality and ensure that only compliant vehicles remain on the roads," Memon added. The ITA's initiative is part of broader efforts to address increasing environmental concerns, especially rising pollution from unregulated vehicle emissions. The campaign reflects the city's commitment to sustainable urban living and public health protection. To further raise awareness, the Islamabad Transport Authority plans to launch an outreach campaign through schools, community centres, and local media to educate the public about the health hazards of vehicular pollution. Informational pamphlets, social media messages, and public service announcements will emphasize the link between air quality and respiratory health, encouraging more citizens to take part in the emission testing drive.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store