Sindh government launched People Bus service for people for Karachi to provide ease in transport services but due to amid increase in diesel prices bus fares are also increased by Sindh Government.
Currently there are three types of buses running in Karachi under the project of Peoples Bus Service Project, Red Buses for all citizens, Pink buses only for women and White Electric Buses.
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The plan of increasing the buses fare came in a consideration of economic crises and a key member of cabinet proposed the agenda that, “It is close to impossible to operate the Transport service at the current fare structure and increase in diesel prices”.
The Information Minister of Sindh, Sharjeel Memon said that, “Frankly speaking the fare of People bus service is already under review. Due to inflation in the country and increase in diesel price, It is almost impossible to maintain the operational cost”. He said this during a visit of under-construction bus transit corridor for Red Line.
Economic challenges of Common man
Mr Memon who is also responsible for transport portfoli made it clear that authorities had no option but to increase the fare. He added that fare will not be increased in one go but it would be increase in different phases to make it easy for common man.
The Peoples Bus Service is currently operating on 10 routes in different parts of city in whicj thousands of people are travelling easily in air conditioned service. The service was also expanded in Sukkur, Hyderabad and Larkana.
The Minister also added that due to high inflation and economic crises in Pakistan, the cost of Red line Project also increased and contractors are facing serious issues in maintenance of project.
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When the project was started, the cost of steel was Rs 1,40000 but now it is increased to Rs 3,10000 per ton. We discussed all the issues with contractors and assured to solve all the issues to complete the project on time. The government also talked with Asian Development Bank on matter, he added.
After the talks with Sindh Government, contractors increased the speed of project and resumed the work.