Over 12,000 passengers travel every hour along the 24 kilometre signal-free route for a nominal fare. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: Glinting tiles, escalators, elevators, modern glass and steel structures with prominent red roofs, the Metro Bus Service (MBS) has not only given a new look to the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, but also provides a much needed modern transport service to the public.
The air-conditioned buses set them apart from other means of transport in the crowded cities, stifling in the heat and humidity. Passengers look forward to the bird’s eye view of horizons and adjoining streets from the elevated road built exclusively for the service in Rawalpindi and parts of Islamabad.
The lack of an organized and respectable transport services was unfortunate in one of the most beautiful capitals in the world; with residents in the twin cities raising their voices many times for a comprehensive mass-transit system.
Since its inauguration on June 3, an estimated 12,000 passengers per hour travel the 24 kilometre-long, signal-free route from Rawalpindi Saddar to the Pak-Secretariat in Islamabad.
Students, civil servants and many other segments of society now reach their destination in Rs20 in around 15 to 20 minutes.
Javed Iqbal, an employee at the Pak-Secretariat, lauded the service and said he was glad to be rid of the Hiace Route-1 operators, whom he referred to as a ‘mafia’, habitually humiliating and intimidating commuters. He said he had to change two to three vans to reach his office everyday; taking over an hour and costing between Rs 80 to Rs100 a day.
“Fatigue, disrespect and humiliation were the major problems faced by females travelling between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, but the Metro Bus has provided us relief,” said Shabana Kausar, private sector employee.
Adnan Rasool, a student of Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, lauded the project’s management, who he said were mindful of educational institutions located nearby when designing the route for the service.
The MBS also connects passengers to medical facilities such as Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS), Polyclinic hospital and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hospital along its route.
“My sister is admitted at PIMS and I have to visit her twice or thrice in a day. It was not possible a year ago to travel between the twin cities this frequently, but thanks to the government it is now not only convenient, but fast and reliable as well,” said 35-year-old government employee Afzal.
Environmental Protection Agency Director Naseem-ur-Rehman said the MBS was socially, economically and environmentally beneficial for the public. He said the service had no negative effect on the environment, adding that the Turkish-made buses were eco-friendly.
Some believe a shuttle services should be run from metro stations to connect the service with parts of the twin-cities further from its terminals.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 24th, 2015.
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