Women-only pink buses soon to have female drivers

In Karachi, Provincial Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon chaired the Sindh Mass Transit Authority’s (SMTA) 10th board meeting, where decisions from the previous meeting were approved. The board proposed subsidizing the People’s Bus Service (PBS) and introducing training for women drivers to enhance the safety and exclusivity of women-only pink buses, pending cabinet permission.

Feasibility studies for the second phase of the PBS were examined, including plans for 500 buses and an eco-friendly electric taxi service. The Red Line BRT project development was also evaluated during the meeting, with attendance from key figures such as Transport Secretary Saleem Rajput and SMTA Managing Director Kamal Dayo.

Highlighting PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s commitment to empowering women, Minister Memon emphasized that female bus drivers would promote gender equality and enhance women’s travel safety. He further asserted that the second phase of PBS could alleviate travel issues, while the eco-friendly electric taxi service would create job opportunities and contribute to environmental preservation.