KARACHI, Dec 14: A transport company on Wednesday clarified a news item published in Dawn that its buses were imported as new and not as used ones. In a press release, the chief of Swede-Bus Pakistan, Ahmad Shabir, claimed that the company had imported new air-conditioned buses equipped with environmental-friendly technology and electronic ticketing system.

He said the quality of buses with trained staff in uniforms was appreciated by commuters. However, due to damaged roads, dust and dirt, the air-conditioning system had to be repaired and maintained at a high cost. Some buses needing major repairs were parked in the depot awaiting import of spare parts, he added.

He complained that the city government had not released the amount of subsidy promised to the company nor extended any relaxation in taxes and fuel cost to make operation feasible.