KARACHI, July 28: A Netherlands-based company has decided to run a project of 300 buses to cater to the growing transport requirements of Karachiites.

The project will be launched with 60 buses after necessary formalities are completed.

This was disclosed by Zulfiqar A. Malik, executive director for South Asian region, Jacobs and Associates, while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the regional office of the company here on Monday.

Giving details about the project, Mr Malik said special concessions in fares would be offered to senior citizens, teachers, students and government employees. He said children under seven years of age and disabled people would be allowed free travelling in the proposed service on all its routes.

“For the first time in the country’s history we will be offering dispensations with fix monthly contributions which will entitle the said cadre for unlimited travels with monthly cards to be issued”, Mr Malik claimed.

He said the Jacobs and Associates, a company having its headquarters in Amsterdam, with a view to combat pollution and traffic problems in Karachi planned to replace rickshaws and outdated taxis with CNG-fitted locally-manufactured cars by providing mark-up free loans.

He said the scheme had been presented to the authorities concerned and the clearance was awaited.

City Nazim Naimatullah Khan and Consul-General of Netherlands in Pakistan also spoke on the occasion.—PPI