Govt to unify ride-hailing services, launch EV taxis in city

The Sindh government on Tuesday decided to unify all ride-hailing services operating in Karachi under a single, integrated system, and accelerate the launch of EV (electric vehicle) taxis in the city.

These decisions were made during a transport & mass transit department meeting chaired by Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon. The meeting reviewed the progress of establishing new motor vehicle inspection centres, and assessed the performance of the existing centres in Karachi.

They also explored various models for providing EV taxis to the public on easy instalment plans. The initiative to distribute scooters to working women and female students was also discussed.

Memon said that providing safe, high-quality and environmentally friendly transport options to Karachi’s residents is a top priority for the government. Introducing an EV taxi service will improve the existing taxi system, and significantly reduce environmental pollution, he added.

He said efforts are under way to bring all taxi services under a unified, standardised and legally compliant framework. This integrated system will help improve fare regulation, service quality and vehicle inspection standards, he added.

He also said the government is taking steps to empower women: in the first phase 1,000 pink scooters would be provided for free to working women and female students. Swift measures are being taken to ensure timely distribution, and to make daily commutes more convenient and accessible for women, he added.

The minister said that traditional buses operating in Karachi would be shifted to other districts as the city moves towards a fully electric public transport system. Double-decker buses are expected to arrive by June, while a larger fleet of new buses is anticipated by late June or early July, he added.

He said work is also under way to establish EV charging stations, parking facilities and other essential infrastructure in Karachi. The government aims to allocate maximum funds in the next fiscal year’s budget for the procurement of new public buses, he added.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Qasim Naveed Qamar said on the occasion that efforts are being made to attract local and international investors to the transport sector. He made the assurance that the Sindh government would provide the interested investors all possible support and facilities.