Provincial Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon led the 10th board meeting of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) in Karachi on Wednesday. During the meeting, they approved the decisions made in the previous session.
The board proposed providing subsidies to the People’s Bus Service (PBS) after obtaining cabinet permission. Additionally, they decided to enhance the safety and exclusivity of women-only pink buses by initiating training programs for women drivers.
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As part of their discussions, the board reviewed the feasibility studies for the second phase of the PBS, which involves introducing 500 buses and an eco-friendly electric taxi service.
Memon emphasized that the second phase of PBS could effectively address transportation challenges. He also pointed out that the eco-friendly electric taxi service would create job opportunities while promoting environmental conservation.
In addition to these matters, the SMTA board assessed the progress of the Red Line BRT project. Key attendees at the meeting included Transport Secretary Saleem Rajput, SMTA Managing Director Kamal Dayo, DIG Traffic Ahmed Nawaz Cheema, planning and development department representative Sikandar Shaikh, and Trans Karachi CEO Tufail Paliju.
Memon highlighted that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is committed to empowering women across all sectors. He expressed that having female bus drivers would contribute to promoting gender equality and improving women’s safety during travel.
