Karachi, the bustling metropolis of Pakistan, is grappling with significant transportation challenges. A recent World Bank report sheds light on the pressing need for a comprehensive transport system in the city. 

The report emphasizes that Karachi’s transport system requires a total of 15,000 buses to cater to its massive population. However, the current operational fleet is a mere fraction of this number, with only 1029 buses on the city’s roads.

Out of the operational buses, 240 belong to the People’s Bus Service, 100 are part of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and 689 are old buses operated by the private sector. This scarcity of buses contributes to the city’s daily commuting heartaches.

To address the yawning gap in public transport, the World Bank report suggests the need for an additional 13,000 public transport buses in Karachi. This recommendation underscores the urgency of expanding the city’s transportation infrastructure.

Recognizing the enormity of the task, the caretaker provincial minister of finance, revenue, and planning and development in Sindh, Muhammad Younus Dagha, directed officials to explore public-private partnership projects. Encouraging the private sector’s involvement is seen as a vital step in bridging the transportation deficit.

In a bid to engage the private sector actively, the transport department is considering a plan to offer easy loans to local private transporters. These loans may be provided at zero markup rates, making it more feasible for local transporters to expand their fleets.

Another proposal on the table is to extend soft loans to local transporters after they purchase buses. The buses would initially be registered under the Sindh government’s name until the transporters repay the loan installments. This scheme aims to enable local transporters to acquire new buses with government support and enhance public transportation services in the city.

The World Bank report highlights the acute shortage of buses in Karachi’s public transport system. Addressing this deficit requires collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, including innovative financing solutions and partnerships. Karachi’s residents await an improved transport system to alleviate their daily commuting struggles.