KARACHI, Nov 23: The Transport and Communication Department of city government has prepared a comprehensive plan to improve the public transport system and infrastructure facilities for commuters in Karachi.

Under the plan, transit bus shelters would be set up at different designated bus stop locations along 18 major corridors of the city.

The city government intends to establish these facilities in collaboration with the private sector on ‘build, operate and transfer’ basis.

The transit bus shelters will have all the essential facilities for commuters at bus stops, such as designated waiting areas for ladies and gents, telephone booth, public transport service, guide route-maps, guide map of the town/city, bus stop sign boards, tuck shops at specific location where no traffic or others problems are involved. Besides, toilet facilities for ladies and gents will also be provided at selected locations along 18 major roads of the city. Advertisement space for sponsors at designated locations of bus stops will also be available.

It has been decided that the city government will encourage private sector’s participation in developing the bus shelters. Following incentives, concessions, terms and conditions are offered:

1. Development of transit bus shelters on ‘build, operate and transfer’ basis for an initial term of five years which will be renewable for a further term of same period.

2. Land to be allotted for the shelters will be free-of-cost but its ownership will remain with the city government.

3. The company/sponsor will be allowed advertisement vetted by the city government at designated space.

4. Maintenance of the bus shelter will be the responsibility of the private company.

5. The company will provide tentative design of bus shelter along with list of potential locations for provision of such facility.

6. The company may also suggest alternative design for consideration.

The expression of interest in the scheme will be invited by the T&C Department very soon from the private sector

A committee has been constituted by the City Nazim, Naimatullah Khan, to work out modalities, assessment and details about the implementation of the scheme.

Muhammad Athar, DO, Public Transport Management, Operation and Regulation, Athar Hussain, DO, E&IP, Izhar Haq, representative of the City Nazim, Abdul Rasheed, Councillor and Noorul Haq Shah, DO, Quality Control, are members of the committee.—PPI