Need for ‘feeder routes’ stressed to enhance Metro Bus Service utility

Islamabad
Experts at a consultative workshop organised to assess gaps and opportunities of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Project on Monday highlighted the need for integrated road networks to increase the ridership of Metro Bus Project.
They expressed these views at a one-day consultative workshop titled ‘Gaps & Opportunities for Sustainability of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Project.’ The event was organised by Project Management Unit of Pakistan Sustainable Transport Project (PAKSTRAN). The PAKSTRAN Project is funded by UNDP and is being implemented by the Ministry of Water and Power. Ministry of Water and Power Additional Secretary Hasan Nasir Jamy was the chief guest on the occasion.
The participants recommended Greenhouse Gas (GHG) calculations emission in pre-Metro Bus Scenario and post-Metro Bus Scenario to address environmental challenges. GHG are the gases that trap heat in the atmosphere resulting in rise in the temperature on planet’s surface.
The participants also suggested to take citizens in confidence about the socio-economic and environmental aspects of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Project.
The experts, including representatives from academia, development sector and government departments like Capital Development Authority (CDA), City Government District Rawalpindi and Islamabad Traffic Police, highlighted the need of feeder routes to enhance the utility of Rawalpnidi-Islamabad Metro Bus Project.
Additional Secretary Hasan Nasir Jamy emphasised on the need of new policy reorientation for the building of new institutional capacities to improve regulatory frameworks, better land-use planning and promote integrated transport infrastructure schemes based on affordable, environment-friendly public transport and non-motorised transport.