PESHAWAR: TransPeshawar, the operator of the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit, on Thursday launched a new bus route connecting Chamkani and Malik Saad Shaheed stations via the Ring Road.

Special assistant to the chief minister Zafarullah Khan inaugurated the route during a special ceremony at the BRT Chamkani station, where transport secretary Ziaul Haq, TransPeshawar CEO Dr Tariq Usman and other officials, too, were in attendance.

The new route called DR-4B has increased the number of Peshawar BRT routes to 14 enhancing the city’s public transportation infrastructure, the operator said in a statement.

It added that the route would have 19 stops, including Chamkani, Sardar Garhi, Chughalpura, Government Primary School, Pir Zakori Bridge, Motorway Bridge, Kamboh Adda, Paharipura,

0.3 million people use Peshawar bus service daily, says operator

Kabutar Chowk, MMC Hospital, Wazir Colony, Abasyn University, Patang Chowk, Shaheed Tahseen Chowk, Charsadda Adda, Eidgah, Shahi Bagh, Bacha Khan Chowk and Malik Saad Shaheed.

Mr Zafarullah highlighted the importance of efficient and accessible public transit in promoting sustainable urban development and improving the life of Peshawar residents.

A spokesperson for TransPeshawar said the route would be particularly beneficial to the people living on Ring Road as well as students of the universities in the area.

“This route is expected to serve as a vital artery for commuters, connecting two crucial areas of the city while reducing travel times and congestion on the roads. With the operationalisation of this, Zu Peshawar continues to revolutionise the way people move in Peshawar offering a reliable and eco-friendly transportation alternative,” she said.

The spokesperson said Zu Peshawar catered to around 300,000 passengers daily making it a lifeline for the city’s residents and commuters.

She added that the new route was expected to enhance the accessibility and convenience of public transportation contributing to the city’s sustainable growth.

The spokesperson said the addition of DR-4B to the Zu Peshawar network was testament to the commitment of the government and stakeholders to meet the growing transportation needs of Peshawar’s residents.

“This development reflects the city’s forward-looking approach to urban planning and sustainability.”

The spokesperson said the residents of Peshawar had been eagerly awaiting the launch of that route, so its opening represented a significant step forwards in the TransPeshawar’s efforts to enhance its service.

The inauguration ceremony included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the presentation of souvenirs to key dignitaries.

The guests visited the Control Centre gaining insights into the technology and operations of the modern public transit system.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023