People Bus Service: History and addition of 80 more buses-30 hybrid & 50 electric

Karachi’s Public Transport Boosted with 80 More Buses

The caretaker Sindh government has added 80 more buses—30 hybrid and 50 electric—to the Peoples Bus Service (PBS), raising its total fleet to 300 buses, including 19 women-only buses. Operating on 11 routes, PBS offers standardized transport in a city needing 15,000 buses. The addition aims to ease commuters’ struggles amid Karachi’s severe transport shortfall.

Public transportation is the lifeline of any major city, connecting people to opportunities, education, and essential services. In Sindh, Pakistan’s second-most populous province, the need for an efficient, affordable, and inclusive transit system has long been acute.

Enter the Sindh Intra-District Peoples Bus Service Project—commonly known as the Peoples Bus Service—a transformative initiative launched by the Government of Sindh in 2022. Operating across six cities—Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Nawabshah—the Peoples bus service aims to redefine urban mobility for millions. This article explores the history, development, unique features, and societal impact of this groundbreaking project.

Historical Context and Inauguration

Before the peoples bus service, Sindh’s public transport landscape was fragmented. Karachi, the provincial capital and Pakistan’s largest city, relied heavily on privately owned minibuses, rickshaws, and ride-hailing services, which were often unreliable, unsafe, or unaffordable for low-income commuters.

Other cities like Hyderabad and Sukkur faced similar challenges, with aging fleets and inadequate coverage. The absence of a standardized system exacerbated traffic congestion, pollution, and economic inequality.

Recognizing these issues, the Sindh government conceptualized the PBS as part of its broader urban development strategy. On 27 June 2022, the Peoples Bus Service was inaugurated with much fanfare, marking a new era in public transit. Initially launching in Karachi, the project quickly expanded to five additional districts, reflecting the government’s commitment to equitable development across the province.

The timing of the launch was critical. Pakistan was grappling with record-high inflation, fuel price hikes, and post-pandemic economic strain. By offering fares between PKR 50–100 (approximately $0.18–$0.36), the Peoples bus service positioned itself as a lifeline for daily commuters. A proposed fare increase in 2023 was met with public resistance and ultimately rejected, underscoring the government’s focus on affordability despite financial pressures.

Development and Expansion

Phase 1: Karachi’s Network

The pilot phase in Karachi deployed 240 buses across seven key routes, strategically designed to connect residential areas with commercial hubs. One of the first routes linked Model Colony Malir to II Chundrigar Road Tower, traversing critical arteries like Shahrah-e-Faisal and Metropole. This route alone served thousands of commuters heading to Karachi’s financial district, educational institutions, and government offices.

Additional routes were rolled out to cover neighborhoods such as:

  • Korangi to Saddar
  • North Karachi to Sohrab Goth
  • Gulshan-e-Hadeed to Numaish Chowrangi

Each bus is air-conditioned, equipped with GPS tracking, and adheres to international safety standards—a stark contrast to the dilapidated vehicles previously dominating the roads.

Expanding Beyond Karachi

By early 2023, the Peoples Bus Service expanded to Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Nawabshah, though on a smaller scale. In Hyderabad, for instance, buses connect Qasim Chowk to Hala Naka, easing travel for students and workers. The phased approach allowed the government to tailor routes to each city’s unique needs while testing operational efficiency.

In January 2024, the Sindh Transport Ministry announced plans to add 60 new buses to the fleet, with a focus on underserved areas. This expansion aligns with the project’s goal to reduce private vehicle dependency and decongest urban centers.

Innovations and Inclusivity

The Pink Bus Initiative

In a landmark move for gender inclusivity, the Sindh government introduced women-only Pink Buses in January 2023. Operating on designated routes in Karachi and Hyderabad, these buses provide a safe, harassment-free environment for female commuters—a significant step in a region where women’s mobility is often restricted by safety concerns.

The Pink Bus service has been widely praised, with ridership numbers exceeding expectations. Surveys indicate that 65% of female passengers feel more secure compared to using mixed-gender transport. The initiative also employs women as drivers and conductors, challenging societal norms and creating job opportunities.

Green Mobility: Electric Buses

As part of its sustainability agenda, the government plans to integrate electric buses (e-buses) into the fleet. While still in the proposal stage, e-buses are expected to debut in Karachi by late 2024, reducing carbon emissions and operational costs. Challenges such as charging infrastructure and upfront investment remain, but partnerships with international agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) could accelerate implementation.

Technological Integration

To enhance user experience, the Sindh government is developing a mobile application for real-time tracking, route planning, and digital ticketing. The app, slated for release in 2025, will empower commuters to minimize wait times and plan journeys efficiently—a feature already successful in cities like Lahore (via the Speedo app).

Route Network: Connecting Sindh’s Heartlands

While route details for smaller cities are still emerging, below are highlights of key corridors:

Karachi

  1. Route 1: Malir Cantt (Tank Chowk) → II Chundrigar Road
  • Connects Malir, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and Karachi’s financial district.
  1. Route 7: Gulshan-e-Hadeed → Numaish Chowrangi
  • Links the steel town to central Karachi’s educational and commercial zones.

Hyderabad

  • Qasim Chowk → Hala Naka
  • Hyderabad Bypass → Sindh University

Sukkur

  • Sukkur Railway Station → Lansdowne Bridge
  • Rohri → Industrial Area

Larkana/Mirpurkhas/Nawabshah

  • Routes focus on connecting rural outskirts to city centers, facilitating access to markets, hospitals, and schools.

Challenges and Criticisms

No project of this scale is without hurdles. Critics highlight:

  1. Limited Operating Hours: Buses run from 8 AM to 8 PM, excluding night-shift workers.
  2. Maintenance Costs: High fuel prices and parts shortages strain the budget.
  3. Awareness Gaps: Many residents, especially in rural Sindh, remain unaware of the Peoples Bus Service.
  4. Political Debates: Opposition parties argue the project prioritizes urban centers over rural needs.

However, public sentiment remains largely positive. A 2023 Gallup Pakistan survey found 78% satisfaction among users in Karachi, citing affordability and reliability as key factors.

Future Prospects

The Peoples Bus Service is poised to become a cornerstone of Sindh’s urban planning. Upcoming initiatives include:

  • Night Service Pilots for shift workers.
  • Integration with BRT Systems: Potential linkages with Karachi’s Green Line BRT.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to bolster funding and innovation.

Conclusion

The Peoples Bus Service is more than a transportation project—it’s a catalyst for social equity, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. By prioritizing affordability, safety, and inclusivity, the Sindh government has set a precedent for other provinces to follow. While challenges persist, the project’s rapid expansion and public approval signal a brighter future for Sindh’s commuters. As electric buses and smart technologies take root, the province is steering toward a sustainable, connected tomorrow.