Federal government will contribute Rs5.639 billion to the project under its commitment in the Karachi Package and the rest of the financing would be arranged from foreign resources.
The modified PC-1 of the project envisages procurement of two major components i.e buses and Integrated Intelligent Transport System (IITS). The buses include fleet of 80 Articulated Diesel hybrid (regenerating) air-conditioned buses. Capacity of each bus is more than 150 passengers (seating + standing). The carrying capacity of the bus fleet is 300,000 passengers per day. Service life of buses is ten years.
Integrated Intelligent Transport System (IITS) includes automatic fare collection system, fleet management/automatic vehicle management system, Central Operation Command and Control Center, Real time Passenger information system, Communication Network/Digital Transmission System, Business Intelligent & Analysis Software (BIAS), Security & Surveillance System.
Also, Bus Depot Management System (BDMS) and Energy Management System (EMS) are part of IITS. The urban transport system (UTS) of Karachi is not yet organized and barely caters to the mobility needs of citizens of this mega city.
Around 10,000 large and mini buses run through the city, representing five percent of all vehicles but carrying more than 40% of all passenger trips.
With limited infrastructure and low level of public transport services coupled with other factors such as weak traffic management, lack of modern mass transit networks and a rapid level of motorization has resulted in severe traffic congestion, very long delays and noise & air pollution adversely affecting city's economic growth and efficiency.
To provide reliable, safe, affordable and fast urban transport service and improve the quality of life of commuters including the social & economic indicators of Karachi, the implementation of the projects will contribute to developing sustainable UTS in Karachi through the delivery of bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors, focusing on accessibility and people's mobility resulting in saving in travel times and costs.