CM Sohail Afridi Launches Pink Bus Service for Women in Peshawar with Lower Fares

Peshawar has launched a dedicated pink bus service for women as part of the expansion of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit system. Women using the new service will pay 25% less than the regular BRT fare. Five pink buses will operate on selected routes during peak hours in the first phase.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi inaugurated the service along with 52 new hybrid buses, the solarized Chamkani depot and the new Mall of Hayatabad depot.

The addition of 52 buses has increased the Peshawar BRT fleet to 296 buses. The new buses will allow TransPeshawar to open more routes and reduce pressure on existing services.

The KP government had earlier confirmed that the new buses would operate on the main BRT corridor and feeder routes.

Five Pink Buses in First Phase

The pink bus service is designed specifically for women passengers. Five buses will run on selected routes during peak hours in the first phase.

The number of buses and routes will increase gradually. The new service also includes women drivers. Afridi praised the women working as drivers and said they could encourage more women to enter the transport sector.

The BRT currently carries around 250,000 passengers each day. Women make up about 30% of its daily passengers, according to the briefing given at the inauguration.

The BRT system also reduces around 30,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, according to officials.

More Buses and Solarization Planned

The KP government is also working on another 50 buses and a new depot at a cost of Rs 6.2 billion. A further 50 buses have been included in the current Annual Development Program at a cost of Rs 5 billion.

A separate recent development plan provides for 50 battery-electric buses at an estimated cost of Rs 4.989 billion. The buses are planned for five new or extended routes. Officials expect the project to reduce fuel and maintenance costs by about Rs 268 million each year.

The government has also allocated Rs1.5 billion for complete solarization of the BRT system. Officials said the move would reduce electricity costs after completion.

The KP Transport Department is also working on BRT expansion, electric buses, solarization, new feeder routes and other transport projects across the province.