KARACHI:
Despite having a population of approximately 15 million people, for decades, Karachi has functioned without a reliable public transport system. By now the city should have had at least 21,000 small buses and 5,500 big buses. However, it has relied on a small number of buses, which are difficult to find. Most buses are in dilapidated condition because of the absence of maintenance and regulatory checks. They do not have doors, proper seats, and windows. Much of the time, the buses are crowded with many passengers and the drivers and conductors are unprofessional. Drivers can be seen speeding on the road, which is dangerous for both passengers and other motorists.
Therefore, other modes of transportation i.e., rickshaws and qingqi rickshaws have become a preferable option among low and middle-income travellers as they are easier to find and relatively safer to use. Some have also resorted to private transport companies, but these are usually not affordable or accessible to everyone. Also, people who commute via public transport face several other issues such as men often harassing or misbehaving with female passengers, pickpocketing, and drivers playing vulgar music, which is uncomfortable for passengers.
Although the Sindh government has made bold claims about the recently launched mass transit system, it will not be entirely effective if the government fails to recognise the aforementioned issues. If they want the system to be a success, they must ensure regular maintenance, all bus staff should be properly trained, and female passengers should feel safe using the buses at all times of the day.
Issac Irfan
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 1st, 2022.
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