KARACHI: The first batch of five double-decker buses, planned to operate on Karachi roads under the Sindh government’s Peoples Bus Service (PBS) scheme, is expected to arrive in June this year, a senior minister said on Tuesday.

Presiding over a meeting of his department, Sindh Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the formalities have almost been made final for the import of new buses that included electric vehicles and double-decker.

“A total of 34 new electric buses and five double-decker buses are expected to arrive in Karachi in June, along with an additional 100 buses scheduled to arrive later the same month,” a statement issued after the meeting quoted the minister as saying.

“The government aims to provide affordable, environment-friendly and reliable transportation facilities to the public. Sindh’s transport system is entering a new era — one that embraces modern technology while prioritising convenience.”

The meeting also decided to cancel the registration of defective and unsafe commercial vehicles and it was announced that a new route would be launched next week using Green Line and Orange Line vehicles.

The minister also issued directives to the transport department to soon launch a special Pink EV Scooter scheme for women.

“A driving licence will be a mandatory requirement for working women and student applicants to access the Pink Scooty,” he told the meeting which was attended by Secretary Transport Asad Zamin.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2025