KARACHI: The Karachi Electric Bus Service, initiated a year ago by the Sindh government, faces the imminent risk of a complete shutdown following the abrupt suspension of buses on two out of its three routes, leaving numerous passengers stranded.
Only one route on which the bus is still functional also has a low number of high-tech public transport buses provided.
These electric buses were launched under the project of People Bus Services by the Sindh government in June 2023.
One of the routes begins from Tank Chowk near Jinnah Avenue to reach Clock Tower, which passes the thoroughfare of the Airport, Sharae Faisal, FTC, Korangi and Khayaban-e-Ittahad.
Although the other one, starts its journey from Malir Cantt checkpost to stop at M.A. Jinnah Road passing Safoora Chowk, Moosamyaat, Kamran Chowrangi, Perfume Chowk, Millennium, Dalmia, and Agha Khan Hospital.
These electric buses rely on charging docks for power supply, and two power stations were established in Bahria Town and Malir Cantt to serve a total of 40 buses. However, reports indicate that the charging stations are currently unable to provide the required charge, resulting in the suspension of buses on two routes.
The unexpected disruption has left thousands of commuters who depend on these electric buses in dismay, starting their week with the realization that the buses they rely on are no longer available.
Thousands of people traveling by these electric buses started their week with the shock that the buses they were waiting for are no longer available.
