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Today's Paper | October 21, 2019

Karachi’s bedecked buses

21st March 2014 | Reuters

Karachi has a huge network of decorated buses, a number of which are privately owned by their drivers. Owners spend thousands of rupees to decorate these buses, which are well-known for their colourful patterns and motifs.

A passenger sits in a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus in Karachi, March 19, 2014.
A passenger sits in a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus in Karachi, March 19, 2014.
The side view of a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus is seen in Karachi, March 19, 2014.
The side view of a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus is seen in Karachi, March 19, 2014.
A man gestures as he walks past decorated buses parked along a street near the terminus in Karachi, March 20, 2014.
A man gestures as he walks past decorated buses parked along a street near the terminus in Karachi, March 20, 2014.
A man is silhouetted against a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus in Karachi, March 20, 2014.
A man is silhouetted against a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus in Karachi, March 20, 2014.
The interior roof of a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus is seen in Karachi, March 20, 2014.
The interior roof of a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus is seen in Karachi, March 20, 2014.
A man walks past a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus in Karachi, March 20, 2014.
A man walks past a decorated bus parked along a street near to the terminus in Karachi, March 20, 2014.

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Comments (3) Closed

Atul
Mar 21, 2014 08:27pm

Very beautiful and artistic exteriors and interiors. Charming and lively. I only wish they (sub continent people) also consider and insist on the safety and enviornment factor/aspects such as Air bags and ABS, Common Rail transmission for fuel efficiency and in general drive being considerate to the other people driving on the roads. Everything will be cool then.

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NJM
Mar 22, 2014 07:35pm

Is there anyone who may make them understand that no matter how beautifully decorated these mini buses are but its too horrible from inside. One may realize this only after travelling in it. The height of these buses from inside has been so small that even a person of normal height can't even stand therein. Further the seats have been very uncomfortable and these mini buses have hardly window glasses. Is there any Minister who can look into this matter and provide comfort to the citizens???

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Faneendra Kumar
Mar 23, 2014 07:54pm

Instead of spending thousands of rupees on the decoration, it is better to build the body lower to the ground, have proper 'fitness' and ample leg space and / or more space for people to stand (if in shorter routes and within Karachi city) .. no point decorating the bus and make it an uncomfortable travel for the passenger

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