KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to introduce exclusive routes of the Peoples Bus Service under the public-private partnership model.

A decision to this effect was made during a meeting of the Department of Transport and Mass Transit, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.

The meeting discussed in detail the ongoing and proposed public transport projects in the province, their operational matters, progress and future strategies, while the operations of double-decker buses, EV taxis, EV buses, Green Line and Orange Line were also reviewed.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Memon stated that the Sindh government intended to hand over various bus routes to companies, which will operate modern, air-conditioned EV buses there.

He said that the routes will be allocated to private investors through auctions or other competitive mechanisms. He emphasised that the primary objective of this initiative is to provide the public with quality, safe and modern travel facilities while simultaneously promoting private investment.

Mr Memon directed the authorities to launch a new route of the PBS connecting Larkana with Qambar at the earliest. He said that this route will provide thousands of citizens with improved travel facilities and will also boost commercial activities along with transportation between the two districts.

He instructed the officials concerned to complete all administrative and operational measures for the launch of the new route as soon as possible.

The minister said that more double-decker buses are set to arrive in Karachi soon, and therefore the planning of their new routes and all administrative matters should be completed in a timely manner so that citizens can be provided with these bus facilities at the earliest.

He stated that the dedicated Pink Bus Service for women on the Bus Rapid Transit Green Line corridor had provided excellent travel facilities to women and the initiative received a tremendous response from the public, particularly from women.

Taking notice of the misuse of pink scooties distributed free to women, he ordered authorities to seize any such two-wheeler if a man was riding it.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2026