RAWALPINDI: For the first time, the women of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad will have exclusive transport service.

The concept to extend comfortable, safe and affordable transportation facilities to women was materialised on Monday with the name of “Tabeer Women Transport Service”.

The project was launched by Zong, a private cellular company, in collaboration with Regional Transport Authority (RTA).

Punjab Minister for Labour & Human Resource Raja Ashfaq Sarwar along with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Officers of District Administration, Secretary District Transport Authority and representatives of partner organizations launched the project.

The event was attended by MNAs Malik Ibrar Ahmed, Begum Tahira Aurangzaib, MPAs Iftikhar Malik, Raja Mohammad Hanif, Zaibun Nisa Awan, Tehsin Fawad, Sobia Satti, DCO Rawalpindi Sajid Zafar Daal, heads and representatives of public and private sector participated in the event.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Punjab Minister for Labour & Human Resource Raja Ashfaq Sarwar termed the project an excellent example of public and private partnership.

He said that Tabeer Women Transport Service would enable women to avail this exclusive transportation facility to reach their destinations without any hassle.

He also appreciated the spirit of partner organisations for extending their cooperation in making the project a success.

MNA Malik Ibrar Ahmed dubbed Tabeer Women Transport Project welfare oriented which would provide a sense of protection to women.

He said the service would benefit a large number of female students and working women.

MNA Ms Tahira Aurangzib said that the project would not only meet the travelling needs of females but would also generate employment for them as the wagons will be conducted by the female.

District Coordination Officer (DCO) Sajid Zafar Dall said that administration had provided every possible support to ensure that women commuters got best transportation facilities.He assured full protection to the wagons. He also appreciated the role of Secretary RTA as coordinator of Tabeer Women Transport Project.

He said that this would be a pilot project and after it proved successful it would be extended to other areas to facilitate maximum number of women.

He said woman would serve as road hostess in Tabeer Women Transport Service and in case of any complaint of the passengers, immediate action would be taken for redressal.

He said that only vehicles up to 2008 models would be allowed to play on these routes.

Adviser to CEO Zong Sikandar Naqi informed the audience on the occasion that all seats are dedicated to women and said the journey of all 12 vans will start at 7am in the morning and conclude at 7pm.

He appreciated the cooperation of administration and elected representatives and said that the project would be expanded throughout the Province. Mr. Ali Yazdani also spoke on the occasion.