In a groundbreaking move, the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) is spearheading a unique training program aimed at empowering 18 women to take the wheel of modern buses. This initiative marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity in the transportation sector.
Collaborating with the Motorway Police, SMTA has embarked on the first phase of this trailblazing program. The training sessions, designed to equip women with the skills to operate modern buses, are being conducted in partnership with instructors from the Peoples Bus Service (PBS), an integral division of SMTA.
This strategic partnership not only emphasizes safety and precision in driving but also focuses on empowering women to take an active role in public transit. The hands-on training provided by PBS instructors ensures that these women drivers receive practical insights into the nuances of operating buses efficiently.
As the program progresses, a subsequent phase will see the inclusion of transgender drivers, further broadening the scope of inclusivity within the transportation workforce.
Upon successful completion of the training, these skilled women drivers will be deployed to operate buses for both the Bus Rapid Transit Division (BRTD) and the Peoples Bus Service (PBS). This deployment is set to bring a positive wave of change, breaking traditional gender stereotypes and promoting diversity within the public transportation system.
SMTA’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity is evident in this pioneering initiative, which not only addresses the need for skilled drivers but also champions the cause of gender equality and diversity in a typically male-dominated field.