For the first time, public transport owners have shown their interest in the Karachi Transportation Improvement Project (KTIP) study, which is being prepared with the financial assistance of Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).
The representatives of Irshad Bukhari of Bus Transport Owners Association, asked City District Government Karachi (CDGK) to keep abreast them about the progress of mass transit project specially, on the option of Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). Speaking at a recently held consultative meeting, which discussed social environment study for KTIP, they said that no transport system can be successful without their participation.
"This is a good project and we are interested in it. We should be involved in every development in this regard," they added. Representatives of bus manufacturers also indicated keen interest in the project saying that they are ready to provide every type of quality buses whether CNG, diesel, air conditioned or luxury.
Director, Mass Transit Cell Planning and Co-ordination, CDGK Mirza Anwer Baig said that provincial Transport Minister Akhtar Hussain Jadoon and Secretary Transport have also assured full support for every mass transport project in Karachi. Quoting his recent meeting with the minister and secretary transport at Chief Minister House, he said that they have asked him to take them on board about the project. He said that the role of State Bank is critical to the success of mass transport system in Karachi. State Bank needs to review its policy for the transport sector and offer incentives including soft-term loans and a dedicated credit line to encourage stakeholders, he noted.
Baig said that 40 industries are linked to transport sector, which can generate thousands of jobs and provide a quality transport means to commuters at economic rates. He also agreed with other experts that a good mass transit system is the only solution to the city's transport woes. The roads in the city are wide enough, especially, when compared to those in developed countries such as London, but a dire lack of traffic management and absence of mass transit makes commuting an agonising daily ordeal.
Syed Nadeem Arif of Environmental Management Consultants, said that the aims of the study is to identify the problems in the public transportation system and then suggest the most appropriate system. He said the absence of a mass transit system in the mega city has created social and environmental issues. There are several options when it comes to mass transit and the Study, would help to identify, keeping in mind old and new plans, which would be the most feasible one for the city.-PR