PESHAWAR: TransPeshawar, the operator of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), will start a new express route (ER 16) stretching from Gulbahar Chowk to Nawab Market Phase 6, Hayatabad, Saddaf Kami, a spokesperson of the company, told mediapersons here on Friday.

She added that the introduction of the new route was a significant step towards optimising commuting experiences for the residents of Peshawar.

He said that the express route encompassed a total of 15 stops, seamlessly connecting key locations within the city. “Commencing its journey from Gulbahar Chowk, the route will traverse along the main BRT corridor, stopping at Malik Saad Shaheed, Saddar Bazaar, Tehkal Bala, Abdara, University of Peshawar, Board Bazaar, and concluding at the Mall of Hayatabad,” she said.

The spokesperson said upon reaching the Mall of Hayatabad, the route would transition to mixed traffic roads, catering to additional stops on the feeder route, including Zarghoni Masjid, Malik Saad Market, Haji Camp, Madrassah, Phase 7 Terminal, Gol Chowk, and Nawab Market. “This new route is expected to alleviate passenger congestion on existing routes and provide a more streamlined travel experience.”

Ms Kami said the service would initially operate with a total of 16 buses dedicated to this specific route, ensuring prompt and efficient transportation for commuters.

“The BRT, boasting a fleet of 244 buses, operates on a comprehensive network of 17 routes. With all buses actively engaged in operations, the BRT system serves approximately 300,000 passengers daily, further solidifying its position as a vital component of the city’s public transportation infrastructure,” she said, claiming that BRT had become the backbone of the social and economic structure of the Peshawar city.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2023