KARACHI, Jan 1: Transport problem has compounded in Malir owing to shortage of buses on various routes. Those who commute between Saddar and Tower or between Malir-Landhi-Korangi suffer the most owing to irregular service and poor condition of buses.

Many of the buses either have broken seats and damaged footboards, or have no glasses. A majority of the drivers indulge in rash and negligent driving. Even then the transport authorities take no notice of the attitude of transporters.

A number of buses have been hired by private companies for their workforce, and the owners of such buses operate their vehicles in their spare time. On routes 44-A, D-6, F-I and K-L, despite the fact that the number of commuters has increased over the years, the authorities have failed to introduce large and comfortable buses. No new bus route has been introduced during the last 10 years, area people claim.

The operators of 44-A do not observe rules. Old and rickety buses are plying the route, and because of shortage of buses, people have to wait on bus stops for several minutes. This results in delays to commuters and many of them reach their offices late, remarked a commuter.

Inquiries revealed that the drivers and conductors often misbehave with people and do not stop buses on specified bus stops. Moreover, they do not ply buses on Sundays and on holidays.

Those who want to reach the City Railway Station suffer delays and often they miss trains owing to irregular and inefficient service. The area people have urged the Sindh governor to look into the matter and order steps to ease the transport problem of the locality.

The area people also demanded introduction of new and comfortable air-conditioned buses, like the Green and CNG buses, introduced between North Karachi and Tower etc.