In a significant stride towards enhancing public transportation in Karachi, the Sindh government has unveiled the eagerly awaited “Peoples Bus Service.” This new addition to Karachi’s transit network is designed to provide efficient and accessible commuting options for the city’s residents.
Red Buses: Comfortable Travel for All
The Peoples Bus Service boasts air-conditioned red buses with a seating capacity of approximately 40 passengers, including dedicated spaces for women. With standing room for an additional 40 commuters, these buses are equipped to cater to the diverse needs of the public. The fare for most routes is set at PKR 50, except for Route 9, where it is PKR 100 after Malir Halt.
Discovering Routes: Connecting Communities
The People’s Bus Service operates on eight routes, linking residential areas to key industrial and business hubs. In its initial phase, 250 buses are operational on seven of these routes, ensuring a widespread coverage.
- Route 1: Model Colony to Dockyard (28 km)
- Route 2: North Karachi to Indus Hospital (30 km)
- Route 3: Power House to Shaan Chowrangi (31 km)
- Route 4: Power House to Tower (21 km)
- Route 9: Gulshan e Hadeed to Tower (42 km)
- Route 10: Numaish Chowrangi to Ibrahim Hyderi (27.8 km)
- Route 11: Shireen Jinnah Colony to Miran Nakka Lyari (19 km)
These buses operate daily from 7 am to 10 pm, with a headway of approximately 15 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
Electric Buses for a Greener Tomorrow
In addition to conventional buses, the Peoples Bus Service has introduced electric buses, named EV-1, EV-2, and EV-3. These buses serve routes from CMH Malir Cantt to Dolmen Mall Clifton, Bahria Town to Malir Halt, and Malir Cantt Check Post 5 to Numaish, respectively.
Easy Access and Ticketing
Travelers can conveniently board Peoples Buses at their nearest bus stop without pre-booking. Tickets, priced at affordable rates, are available from the bus conductor, and the average wait time at stops is around 10-15 minutes.
Operational Details and Expansion
The Red Bus Service Karachi operates daily, offering consistent service even on weekends and public holidays, barring extreme weather conditions. Passengers have the option to transfer between two routes to reach their destination, with separate tickets required for each ride.
Connecting Communities Beyond: Differentiating from BRT Lines
It’s essential to distinguish the Peoples Bus Service from existing and planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines in Karachi, including the Redline BRT, Green Line BRT, Yellow Line BRT, and the Karachi Circular Railway. Together, these initiatives seek to revolutionize Karachi’s public transportation system, providing commuters with a variety of options and improved connectivity.
