In a bid to assist commuters, the Sindh government has decided not to increase fares for the People’s Bus Service (PBS) over the next six months. The announcement was made by Sharjeel Memon, the Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, after the provincial cabinet accepted the proposal for a fare-hike freeze. To ensure the service remains accessible to the masses, the government will provide subsidies.
Enhanced User Experience with the PBS Smartphone App
To improve user convenience, Memon oversaw the launch of a smartphone app dedicated to PBS in June. The app enables iPhone and Android users to access information on fares, schedules, and other essential details. Additionally, it allows real-time monitoring of PBS by the provincial administration, facilitating intra-city commuting in Karachi and other cities.
Future Projects and Expansion Plans
During the app’s launch event, Memon disclosed the government’s plans to introduce e-taxis and the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The Red Line BRT system will be the first biogas-powered BRT system in Pakistan and comes with an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 200 billion. Furthermore, the government proposes to extend PBS’s reach beyond Karachi, connecting rural areas such as Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, and Mirpurkhas to urban regions, thereby alleviating travel woes.
