KARACHI, Aug 22: Some 8,000 CNG buses will be brought on city roads during the next 5 years. In this regard the provincial government is carrying out planning on solid basis to introduce a new, modern and safe transport culture under which priority will be given to CNG buses in the future.

This was stated by Sindh Transport Minister Adil Siddiqi, said a statement issued here on Monday. He said in other public transport, preference would be given to CNG coasters, radio cabs and four-stroke rickshaws.

The minister said steps were being taken for gradual phasing out of old buses, yellow and black taxis and 2-stroke rickshaws so that transporters may not have to face unemployment.

It may be mentioned here that the Sindh governor recently set up a committee consisting of secretaries of finance and excise and taxation and the environment departments, Mass Transit Cell and other concerned agencies which will review the implementation of the plan.

The federal government has allocated Rs500 million under 2005-6 PSDP where under 5,000 environment-friendly buses would be operated during the next five years.—APP