Rapid growth: Two-wheelers take town

Over 95,000 motorcycles registered in Islamabad since 2009.

ISLAMABAD:

Given the shabby state of public transport in the capital, moving around Islamabad for work or for any other reason becomes quite a task if one depends on buses and vans.

Those who can, make buying a car their first priority, but for those who can’t, the motorcycle is the runner up.

Due to affordable prices, easy installments and lax leasing by banks, many in the town are turning to buying motorbikes. And the trend is increasing with every passing year.

Over new 95,000 motorbikes have hit the capital’ roads in the last five years, The Express Tribune has learnt.

Some 95,738 motorcycles were registered by the Excise and Taxation Department between 2009 and 2013, department data reveals.



In 2009, 11,747 bikes were registered, with the number rising to 15,637 a year later. In 2011, 16,144 motorbikes were registered, while in 2012 the number shot up to 23,209, before another 29,001 bikes were added in 2013, said Excise and Taxation Director Imran Ali Sultan.

The official said that motorbikes are an affordable option for most people, and the number of bikes registered is likely to further rise in 2014.



Another official said the lack of quality public transport is also a factor behind the increase. “How is it possible for a citizen to use a car when petrol is for Rs113 [per litre]” he added.

“I believe the use of a bike is the best option for many given that public transport fares are already very high’’, said Muhammad Imtiaz a Capital Development Authority (CDA) employee.

Muhammad Adeel, a student at a commerce college in Aabpara Market, said, “A bike is my best option as public transport is limited in the city.”

Easy leasing from banks is also a reason behind the increasing number of registrations. In addition, a number of traders in the twin cities have started offering installment plans themselves.

Abdul Jalil, salesman at a motorcycle dealership in Aabpara Market, said most people buying bikes on installments were salary men or students.

He said that over 60 brands of motorcycles are being manufactured in
the country, including   licensed Chinese and Japanese ones.

“Most installment buyers are salaried employees, students and small traders who can easily afford Rs2, 500 to 3,500 per month,’’ he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2014.