Latest news with #BusRapidTransit
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Drivers, commuters bracing for more construction in Oakland this week
If you're heading through Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood this week, get ready for even more construction on top of what's already been frustrating drivers. This weekend marks the second phase of Pittsburgh Regional Transit's University Line Bus Rapid Transit Project. As part of the work, North Bouquet Street from Fifth to O'Hara will be closed through 6 a.m. Monday for reconstruction and line painting. "It's just in the way of pretty much everything I do around here," said Anthony Schiro, a student who lives in Oakland. While many in Oakland are used to the construction, that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. "It's usually once something's over, they go running to the next," said Schiro. "It's always a shifting narrative here in Pittsburgh. With what's closed and what's open, you just got to allow time and you'll figure it out," said Ron Baraff. And the timing couldn't be more challenging, with the Parkway East also fully closed this weekend, detouring traffic routes will cut through Oakland. "Anywhere I have to go, I have to get on Forbes, and that's where a lot of the backup and inconvenience is," said Schiro. "So, I just plan ahead, try to work it into my schedule wherever I'm going." Fifth and Forbes Avenue bus routes will continue to run as scheduled, and flaggers will help traffic flow. Forbes Avenue will also undergo line painting from Craft Avenue to Schenley Drive Extension, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PRT is urging travelers to leave early and expect delays. "If I get frustrated, it's because I didn't allow myself time," Baraff said. "I know what I'm dealing with here." Bottom line: Plan ahead, expect cones and maybe map out a backup route.
GMA Network
05-08-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Bus Rapid Transit answer to NCR traffic woes — transport advocate
Gonggomtua Sitanggang, Southeast Asia Director of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. PHOTO: ITDP A transport advocacy group on Tuesday pushed for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, saying that it has the potential to address mass transportation shortage and perennial traffic woes in Metro Manila. According to Gonggom Sitanggang of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), public commuting can be more inclusive and accessible across the metro even though there is already the existence of the EDSA Busway system. Sitanggang pointed out that with significantly lower capital cost and shorter construction time, the BRT can carry more passengers than rail systems. 'As cities grow, BRT enables efficient, inclusive, and scalable public transport that responds to today's challenges and tomorrow's demand,' Sitanggang said. He said the BRT could carry five times more passengers compared to a regular bus, which is ideal for densely populated areas like Metro Manila. The BRT is a bus service system designed to have higher capacity, dedicated platforms and pre-ticketing features, compared to a conventional bus system. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier said it is eyeing to replicate the EDSA Busway model in other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, particularly España Boulevard in Manila and Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. — RF, GMA Integrated News
Express Tribune
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM charts road to reform, recovery, celebration
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah laid out a sweeping vision for provincial development, police reform, and flood rehabilitation, during a session with Civil Service Academy probationary officers and senior officials at the CM House. Development, flood recovery Focusing on infrastructure and post-disaster recovery, CM Shah detailed a development budget that includes Rs366.75 billion in foreign-funded projects. The government is prioritising the expansion of Karachi's road network, construction of new flyovers and underpasses, and the continued implementation of major transit projects like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Law and Order CM Shah highlighted the role of Sindh Police, with 162,000 personnel and a legacy of sacrifice marked by 2,549 martyrs. Addressing lawlessness in the Katcha area, he pointed to ongoing efforts to build roads, improve infrastructure, and boost police mobility. Intelligence Upgrades Shah cited the arrest of individuals involved in attacks on Chinese nationals and the foiling of major terror plots. He highlighted the Rs772 million Fusion Centre, equipped with intelligence, data analytics, and digital forensics, as a critical upgrade to Sindhs investigative capacity. Fiscal Decentralisation To decentralise police funding, the government has allocated Rs6 billion to police stations, granting station officers greater fiscal autonomy. Shah also noted improvements to police stations and the introduction of a Rs4.9 billion health insurance program covering officers and their families. Crisis Management Crisis preparedness has also seen significant strides. The government has established a Crisis Management Unit trained by Turkey's Anti-Riot Force. The unit is equipped with 2,000 anti-riot kits and includes female officers. Solid waste emergency project Shah also discussed the USD 100 million Solid Waste Emergency Project, which aims to modernise Karachi's waste management system. Key efforts include establishing state-of-the-art landfill sites at Jam Chakro and Dhabeji, improving emergency waste response, and reducing urban pollution. Delta Blue Carbon Project Touching on environmental sustainability, the CM praised the Delta Blue Carbon Project, which conserves 225,000 hectares in the Indus Delta. The project is expected to reduce 127 million tonnes of CO? emissions and generate government revenue through verified carbon credits. Independence Day In anticipation of Independence Day, Shah chaired a meeting on the upcoming celebrations and the "Maarka Haq" (Battle for Justice) events. He called on bankers and prominent industrialists across the country to actively participate. The Department of Culture will host a public concert and fireworks show at the National Stadium on August 13, while the Captain Sailor Shaheed Sports Gala will also be organised to mark the occasion. Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is planning another concert and fireworks display at Jahangir Kothari, with the date to be announced soon. The Sports Department will organise a marathon at Nishan Pakistan and Do Darya on August 10, followed by a donkey cart race at Sea View the same day. The Department of Fisheries is set to hold a boat race at the port and Keamari on August 9.
Business Recorder
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JI launches tree-plantation drive
KARACHI: In a bid to tackle the growing climate crisis and environmental degradation in Karachi, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi has launched a city-wide plantation campaign titled 'Let's Make Karachi Green,' aiming to plant 100,000 saplings across the megacity. The initiative was formally launched on Wednesday in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, where JI Karachi Chief, Monem Zafar, along with Town Chairman Dr Fawad planted the first sapling of the campaign. Speaking to the media, Zafar emphasised that the campaign was part of a broader climate strategy led by JI to counter rising temperatures, urban heat, and deteriorating air quality in the city. 'Karachi was once known for its 'cold roads' lined with trees,' he recalled. 'Now, in many areas, we're left with nothing but concrete jungle. It is our responsibility to restore greenery and bring back Karachi's lost environment.' He said that the drive would be implemented across all towns under the supervision of local chairmen and union councils to ensure meaningful and sustained impact. Criticizing the Sindh government for what he termed as 'environmental negligence,' the JI leader questioned the fate of 50,000 trees promised by the provincial administration. 'Where is the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency? What happened to their commitments?' He also slammed the government for chopping down trees during Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects without adequate re-plantation efforts. 'Development should not come at the cost of ecological collapse.' Highlighting the party's recent contributions, Monem Zafar said that JI had restored over 155 public parks during the past two years and introduced innovative ideas such as roadside jungles, urban forests, and rainwater harvesting systems to conserve natural resources. The JI leader said Karachi deserves at least Rs500 billion for its development, not just Rs20 billion. We demand a minimum of Rs2 billion for each of the city's towns. He expressed concern over the large number of unsafe structures in the megacity, especially in District South. 'Out of 749 buildings declared dangerous by the Sindh Building Control Authority, 400 are in District South alone. Who allowed 8-storey buildings on 8-yard plots,' he questioned. Zafar pointed out that while the World Health Organisation recommends one tree for every seven individuals. He said Karachi's ratio is shockingly low—estimated at one tree for every 1,000 people. 'This is a wake-up call. The megacity ranks 170 out of 173 in the global livability index. If we don't act now, future generations will suffer even more.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab Times
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Meet Pakistan's Futuristic New Metro: Solar-Powered, Trackless, and Smart
LAHORE, July 21: Lahore has just rolled out South Asia's first trackless, solar-powered metro system — an ambitious, high-tech answer to the region's outdated urban transport. Dubbed the Super Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (SRT), this sleek electric vehicle is billed as a 'subway on wheels,' gliding on ordinary roads without the need for expensive tracks or overhead wires. In a futuristic twist, the SRT relies on Virtual Track Technology, using GPS, sensors, and digital mapping to stay on course — all without laying a single rail. Think tram meets Tesla, with zero emissions. A pilot run is already underway near Lahore Airport, drawing curious onlookers and high-level officials from both Pakistan and China — the system's developer. This is the first time such a vehicle has ever hit the roads in South Asia. 'This isn't just a test drive,' said a senior Punjab transport official. 'This is a test for the future of public transport in Pakistan.' A Metro Without the Mess The high-capacity electric buses — capable of carrying 250 to 300 passengers — are set to transform mobility in Punjab and beyond. Unlike conventional metros or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, the SRT and its future cousin, the Automated Rapid Transport (ART) system, don't require tracks or elevated lanes — meaning cheaper builds, quicker rollouts, and no ugly overpasses slicing through cities. The initiative falls under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's five-year transport master plan, which aims to bring smart, solar-powered mobility to 30 cities across the province. 'This isn't just infrastructure,' said Maryam. 'It's a leap toward equitable, green mobility for all citizens.' Phase One: Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala The first phase will roll out in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, with 10 more cities added each year over the next four years. If the Lahore trial proves successful, full-scale operations could begin as early as 2026 — with potential future expansions to Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. A Cleaner, Quieter Commute Aside from its tech credentials, the SRT promises a dramatic social and environmental impact. Each vehicle could replace up to 100 private cars, slashing air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise in Pakistan's smog-choked cities. 'This is about climate justice as much as convenience,' said an official involved in the rollout. 'It's about narrowing urban divides and giving people a cleaner, faster way to move.' The SRT runs like a tram, follows a virtual track with pinpoint precision, yet has the agility of a bus — making it ideal for traffic-clogged, infrastructure-limited cities like Lahore. The future of Pakistani transport, it seems, is arriving quietly… and on rubber wheels.
