Female drivers will be appointed in a month; initially, 8 buses will operate on Model Colony-Tower route
Karachi
The People’s Pink Bus Service, the ‘Women Only’ Bus service launched by Sindh government in Karachi, was inaugurated on Wednesday by the women hailing from showbiz, politics and civil society. Prominent among those who inaugurated the bus service at a ceremony held at historic Frere Hall were Ms. Sharmila Faruqui, Ms. Marvi Rashidi, Ms. Saadia Javed, Ms. Sharmeen Ubaid Chenoy, Madiha Naqvi, Marvi Mazhar, Najia Meer and others.
Transport Minister Sharjeel Inaam Memon, Labor Minister Saeed Ghani, Special Assistan to Chief Minister Qasim Naveed Qamar, Members of Sindh assembly and concerned officers were also present at the ceremony.
The Pink Buses will operate from Model Colony to Tower via Shahrah-e-Faisal. Each bus has the capacity of carrying 50 women with 26 seats which include two seats for special ladies while 24 women can travel by standing. As per timings, buses will operate every twenty minute from 7am to 11am and from 4pm to 9pm while after every one hour during the rest of time. Initially, eight buses will operate on this route.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Transport Minister Sharjeel Inaam Memon said that the Pink Buses’ network will be expanded to entire Karachi city and other big cities of the province.
“Beside this, the seats for women are also reserved in Orange Line, People’s Bus Service and Electric Bus Service,” he said.
Sharjeel said that directives have been issued to appoint female staff for the Pink Buses. “Initially the Pink Buses have female hostesses while the female drivers would be appointed within a month.”
Transport Minister announced that Pink Bus will offer free travel service till February 7. (PR)
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