The Sindh transport department has launched two new routes of the women-only Pink Bus Service in Karachi under the Sindh Peoples Bus Service.
Faryal Talpur, head of the Pakistan Peoples Party Women’s Division and member of the Sindh Assembly, cut the ribbon and inaugurated the new routes during a ceremony held at the Frere Hall on Monday
Addressing the audience as the chief guest at the ceremony, she extended her congratulations to Senior Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon and said the Peoples Pink Bus Service aimed to serve the mothers, sisters, and daughters of Karachi by providing convenient commuting facilities in the city.
This initiative, considered the latest gift from the Sindh government of the Peoples Party, reflected the vision of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, she added.
Talpur said the provision of safe and comfortable travel is a valuable gift from the provincial government to women commuters in the city. “By offering such facilities and empowering women, we can foster development and prosperity in our society.”
On this occasion, the government also announced two months of free travel for women on pink buses in the city. In her address, Faryal Talpur expressed her wish for the fares of the pink bus service to remain unchanged.
Addressing the ceremony, Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Sharjeel Inam Memon welcomed Talpur, ministers, mayor, deputy mayor and other distinguished guests at the ceremony and said the two new routes of the pink bus service are designated as R3 and R9.
Route R-3 extends from Powerhouse Chowrangi in North Karachi to Nasir Jump in Korangi, while Route R-9 goes from Gulshan-e-Hadeed to Merewether Tower. A total of 10 new pink buses are being pressed into service to serve passengers on both of these new routes.
He said that the pink bus service was initiated under the guidance of the leadership of the PPP, particularly Faryal Talpur. This initiative garnered widespread appreciation globally, with international media commending the first-of-its-kind project initiated by the Sindh government. The high-quality standards, affordable fares, and commitment to the safety of the pink bus service have been praised worldwide. The vision of the Sindh government is centred on empowering women through initiatives like this, he remarked.
Memon said that the PPP leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Faryal Talpur, have prioritised affordable, high-quality, and safe travel for the people. Additionally, efforts are underway to train female drivers, conductors and staff, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery as the government remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering women.
In the ceremony, Faryal Talpur presented licences to four female drivers of the Pink Bus Service. Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Deputy Mayor Salman Murad, Sindh Secretary Transport Asad Zaman, and other government officials, along with office-bearers of the PPP, were also present at the opening ceremony.