In a recent revelation, the bustling city of Karachi has confronted with a staggering deficit of approximately 13,000 public transport buses, according to recommendations put forth by the World Bank. The gravity of this issue underscored during a crucial briefing hosted by the Sindh transport department for the caretaker Minister of Finance, Revenue, and Planning & Development, Muhammad Younus Dagha, on a Thursday afternoon.
The heart of the discussion centered around the imperative need to bolster Karachi’s public transport infrastructure, as highlighted in a comprehensive report by the World Bank. The report unequivocally advocated the acquisition of around 15,000 buses to address this growing crisis.
At present, Karachi’s public transportation system relies on a meager fleet of just 1,029 buses, encompassing both public and private sectors. This includes 240 buses operated by the People’s Bus Service, 100 buses integrated into the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and an additional 689 aging buses operated by private entities. To address this shortfall, a feasibility study is currently underway to acquire an additional 500 buses.
During the discussion, the caretaker minister emphasized the pivotal role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in bridging the substantial gap in Karachi’s public transport network. He urged the development of streamlined procedures to facilitate accessible loans for private operators seeking to invest in new buses. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of maintaining minimal interest rates on these loans to encourage private sector participation in acquiring modern buses.
In response to these challenges, the transport department has proposed the establishment of an endowment fund. This fund aims to provide soft loans to experienced local transporters, enabling them to procure much-needed public transport buses. Furthermore, a comprehensive plan is in the works to strategically deploy these buses along various routes, ensuring a practical and sustainable solution.
All participants concurred that these proactive initiatives, including soft loans and collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, have the potential to empower local transporters to acquire new buses with government support. This concerted effort poised to significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of public transport services in Karachi, thereby alleviating the city’s pressing transit crisis.
