Transporters join the mass transit bandwagon
Association representatives want in on the project, promise support.
KARACHI:
Some public transport owners have expressed interest — for the first time ever — in the Karachi Transportation Improvement Project study, which is being prepared with the financial assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Irshad Bukhari of the Bus Transport Owners’ Association has asked the city government to keep them updated on the progress of the mass transit project, especially about the Bus Rapid Transit System.
Speaking at a recent consultative meeting which discussed the study, representatives said that no transport system could be successful without their participation. “This is a good project and we are interested in it. We should be involved in every step,” they added. Representatives of bus manufacturers also indicated a keen interest in the project, saying that they were ready to provide every type of quality buses — whether CNG, diesel, air-conditioned or luxury.
The city government’s Mirza Anwer Baig, who plans and coordinates the Mass Transit Cell, said that the transport minister has also assured full support for such projects in Karachi. Talking about his recent meeting with the transport minister and secretary, he said that they asked him to take them onboard.
Baig said that the role of the State Bank is critical for the success of such a system. The State Bank needs to review its policy for the transport sector and offer incentives, including soft-term loans and a dedicated credit line, to encourage stakeholders. About 40 industries are linked to the transport sector, and can generate thousands of jobs and provide quality transport to commuters at reasonable rates. press release
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2011.
Some public transport owners have expressed interest — for the first time ever — in the Karachi Transportation Improvement Project study, which is being prepared with the financial assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Irshad Bukhari of the Bus Transport Owners’ Association has asked the city government to keep them updated on the progress of the mass transit project, especially about the Bus Rapid Transit System.
Speaking at a recent consultative meeting which discussed the study, representatives said that no transport system could be successful without their participation. “This is a good project and we are interested in it. We should be involved in every step,” they added. Representatives of bus manufacturers also indicated a keen interest in the project, saying that they were ready to provide every type of quality buses — whether CNG, diesel, air-conditioned or luxury.
The city government’s Mirza Anwer Baig, who plans and coordinates the Mass Transit Cell, said that the transport minister has also assured full support for such projects in Karachi. Talking about his recent meeting with the transport minister and secretary, he said that they asked him to take them onboard.
Baig said that the role of the State Bank is critical for the success of such a system. The State Bank needs to review its policy for the transport sector and offer incentives, including soft-term loans and a dedicated credit line, to encourage stakeholders. About 40 industries are linked to the transport sector, and can generate thousands of jobs and provide quality transport to commuters at reasonable rates. press release
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2011.