Though facing criticism, Peshawar BRT to have 13 unique features

PESHAWAR: Though the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project is facing delays and criticism, it would have 13 unique features that distinguish it from the other three metro-bus systems operating in Lahore, Islamabad and Multan.

As per the official documents received by The News, the unique features in the BRT include 3rd Generation BRT System, which is a direct service, staging facility with commercial areas, park and ride facilities at depots, commercial validity (with 400,000 ridership), overtaking/passing lines at stations, segregated cycle facilities along BRT corridor, pedestrian walkways along BRT corridor, bike sharing schemes at the University of Peshawar, restrooms at every station, free Wifi in the buses, gender segregation at stations and buses, pedestrian bridges with commercial kiosks and universally accessible project. An official of the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), the execution agency of the BRT project, told The News that the bike-sharing service is a unique feature and it would solve the students’ travel problem to reach their destination. He said the segregated bicycle facilities along the BRT corridor are also a unique feature distinguishing it from the other metro- bus services in the country.

Once complete, he said, the commuters in the provincial capital would be able to enjoy rides in a dedicated bicycle lane using the same payment card as the bus service. Commuters, though, will have to learn how to ride a bike on their own. The TransPeshawar, the urban mobility company owned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and responsible for operating and maintaining the BRT) plans to purchase around 360 bicycles. In this regard, a separate bike-lane is being built along the entire 7.48-kilometre long corridor for the BRT. To rent out the bicycles, travellers can use their “Zu Fare Card” which they can procure from TransPeshawar. The card can also be used to travel on BRT buses.