KARACHI, Sept 26: A powerful group of transporters is creating hurdles in the introduction of new routes of public transport buses in Shah Faisal Town. Area people regretted that the transport department was denying introduction of new and convenient buses in the locality, and that commuters were being forced to suffer at the hands of a small group of transporters.

Investigation revealed that during the last over 12 years, no new buses were inducted to and from the township, and residents had to suffer, as the present operators were using their “influence” to prevent new, road-worthy buses to keep their monopoly on the present routes, to and from Shah Faisal Town.

The people of the locality have been facing shortage of public transport more acutely after the closure of the Karachi Transport Corporation and no additional buses or coaches have been inducted to fill the gap.

The city government transport department’s failure to introduce new UTS buses in Shah Faisal Colony also drew sharp criticism from socio-political circles here.

Commuters of the town, mostly workers from the low and middle income groups, students, women and children, are packed in Suzuki pickups like sardines by operators.

As Suzuki operators pay Rs25 per trip to the munshi, they are exempted from any violation as the “share” also reaches the concerned quarters, area people said.

Prior to the closure of the KTC service, large buses of 13-B Express were available to area people, but successive governments did not take measures to mitigate the sufferings of people.

Area people have urged the Sindh governor, Dr Ishratul Ibad, and Sindh Minister for Transport Adil Siddiqui to take notice of the sufferings of people and order immediate introduction of the UTS routes.

Area people have regretted that people in Natha Khan Goth, Pak Sadaat Colony, Drigh Colony, Raita Plot, Moria Khan Goth, Rafa-i-Aam Society and Al-Falah Society in seven union councils have been facing immense hardships, and it was about time that authorities acted to remove the problem.