'8000 CNG buses to ply on Karachi roads in 5 years'

The provincial government is carrying out planning on solid basis to introduce a new, modern and safe transport culture under which priority will be given to CNG buses in future.
Provincial Transport Minister Adil Siddiqi in a statement issued here on Monday said that some 8000 CNG buses would be brought on city roads during next five years. Preference would be given to CNG coasters, radio cabs and 4-stroke rickshaws, he added.
He said steps were being taken for gradual phasing out of old buses, yellow and black taxis and 2-stroke rickshaws so that transporters might not have to face unemployment.
It may be mentioned here that Sindh Governor recently set up a committee consisting of Secretaries of Finance, Excise and Taxation and Environment departments, Mass Transit Cell and other concerned agencies which would review the implementation of the plan.
Federal Government has allocated Rs500 million under 2005-06 PSDP.