KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided that women-only pink buses will only be driven by female drivers.
In this regard, it has been decided to initiate special programmes to train women how to drive buses for the flagship project.
Sindh Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon approved the decision in the 10th board meeting of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA).
The minister said the inclusion of female bus drivers would not only promote gender equality but also strengthen the sense of safety and security among women passengers.
He said empowering women in all fields was the vision of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The meeting also considered providing subsidies for the People’s Bus Service following the approval by the provincial cabinet.
The board discussed the feasibility studies for the second phase of the Peoples Bus Service, which includes the addition of 500 buses and the introduction of an environment-friendly electric taxi service.
Memon said that the implementation of the second phase of the People’s Bus Service is expected to significantly reduce travel problems for the people, bringing relief to the public.
The minister further stated that the introduction of an environment-friendly electric taxi service would not only create a positive environmental impact but also generate new employment opportunities.
The country’s first women-only bus service was launched in Karachi early this year in February. As many as eight women-only buses plyed from Malir to Tower at a minimal cost in the initial stage.
Each bus has a total capacity of 50 seats, while two seats are reserved for special women. Female hostesses have been hired for the bus service.
Speaking during the launching ceremony, Memon said the Pink Bus Service has started with eight buses but the number would be increased and the service would be extended to other areas of Karachi and parts of Sindh as well.
