The PPP-led Sindh government is all set to launch the Peoples Bus Service (PBS) service in Karachi and Larkana on June 21 (today).
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will officially inaugurate the bus service tomorrow. A total of 140 buses were procured for the service, out of which 130 will be used for Karachi and 10 for Larkana in first phase.
The Sindh government Peoples’ Bus Service is a project separate from the network of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines.
Under the Peoples’ Bus Service project, the Sindh government is set to play 240 buses on six different routes of the metropolis.
In first phase, the buses will initially operate on Route 1 (29.5 KMs – Model Colony to Tower) via Malir Halt, Nata Khan bridge, Drig road, PAF Base, Laal Kothi, Karsaz, Nursery, FTC, Regent Plaza, JPMC, Cantt Station, Metropole, Regal Chowk and Aram Bagh.
In second phase, the buses will operate on five other Karachi routes. The other fix routes include the areas from North Karachi to Indus Hospital [Korangi] distance 32.9-km; Nagan Chowrangi to Singer Chowrangi [Korangi Industrial Area] 33-km; Mosamiyat to Dockyard 25.9-km; Surjani Town to PAF Masroor 28.2-km and Gulshan-e-Bihar [Orangi Town] to Singer Chowrangi 29km.
In Larkana, the busses will operate on a 10.3kms route starting from Larkana Bus Terminal to Larkana Junction via Indus Highway.
According to the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, the buses will facilitate 31 passengers including two seats for the disabled, while there is space for up to 80 passengers.
Under the same project, the provincial government has also chalked out a plan to run these buses in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas and Shaheed Benazirabad as well.
The government has yet to announce the ticket prices for PBS. However, according to unofficial sources, the government will set Rs25 minimum and Rs55 maximum prices for bus service.
