AS fuel prices go through the roof — with more shocks likely — the state needs to seriously revamp the public transport infrastructure, particularly in Pakistan’s expanding cities. Filling up the fuel tank to get to work or study is now putting a serious strain on people’s budgets, while app-based private bus services that offered a decent alternative are packing up, adding to commuters’ woes. The latest player to leave the market is Swvl, which announced recently that it was “pausing” its services in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Faisalabad, attributing the move to the “global economic downturn”. Airlift, another app-based bus service, wrapped up its transport operation during the pandemic and shifted to delivering groceries. For commuters in Pakistan’s metros, these are unfortunate developments as particularly in Karachi, public transport is in poor shape, and these private players offered a comparatively cost-effective and reliable commuting option. The fact is that while Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Multan have received functional metro bus services, Karachi lags far behind. However, both the federal and Sindh governments have seemingly awoken from their long slumber and have vowed to bring ‘hundreds’ of public buses to the metropolis’ roads. These efforts need to be expedited to provide the public safe, affordable and comfortable commuting options.

While public transport has for decades been a neglected area throughout urban Pakistan, perhaps because the ruling elite have no need for it, high petroleum prices require the state to focus on this sector without delay. The projects in Lahore, Islamabad and other cities need to be expanded. For example, while the Islamabad metro bus links the city to Rawalpindi, more services are needed connecting the capital’s sectors. Karachi is another story altogether. Though the launch of the Green Line earlier this year was hailed as a step in the right direction, the other BRTS lines also need to be speeded up. Moreover, the Sindh government needs to fast-track its Peoples Bus Service scheme on all routes. Also, the KCR, which remains a pipe dream, must eventually see the light of day as it will be very difficult to solve Karachi’s public transport dilemma without an efficient urban rail system. The state must encourage private start-ups to keep their vehicles on the roads, as Pakistan’s transport problems can only be solved through public-private partnerships. More ridership on public transport will mean less consumption of fuel by private vehicles, and result in some savings for the hard-pressed commuter.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2022