The Government of Sindh’s Transport Department has launched an Automated Fare Collection System for the People’s Bus Service in Karachi.
The launch event took place at a hotel in Karachi on Saturday. Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, hosted the ceremony, with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah formally inaugurating the system.
Chief Minister Shah shared his excitement about this step, saying, “Today, I feel very happy on this historic occasion. We promised public convenience, and now we are moving towards digitalization in the transport sector.”
He praised the government’s focus on innovation in different sectors, noting that the Automated Fare Collection System will improve both convenience and efficiency in transportation. Shah encouraged the Transport Minister to continue improving the public transport infrastructure, pledging the full support of the Government of Sindh.
Regarding the People’s Bus Service, Shah commended its success, mentioning that it operates under the Sindh government’s Public-Private Partnership model. He also spoke about other ongoing projects, like the Red Line, which is nearing completion, and the Yellow Line, which will start soon.
Shah addressed Karachi’s development, acknowledging past obstacles but promising ongoing efforts to improve the city. He announced that within a month, the entire People’s Bus Service would transition to the new automated system, reinforcing the government’s commitment to serving the public.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon reiterated the government’s drive for innovation in transportation. He said that the Automated Fare Collection System for the People’s Bus Service is part of this commitment. The system will initially operate on two routes, with plans to expand to others soon.
Memon pointed out the government’s work to provide affordable and modern transportation options, emphasizing that this was part of the vision of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. To help with rising costs, the government decided to subsidize bus fares, showing its commitment to public welfare.
Regarding infrastructure projects, Memon mentioned that work on the Red Line BRT had stopped during the caretaker government’s term. However, he said the current PPP-led government had resumed work, despite ongoing inflation challenges.
To symbolize the launch, Chief Minister Shah boarded a People’s Bus and used a card to pay the fare. The event was attended by various officials, including Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, Secretary Information Nadeem ur Rehman Memon, and representatives from the banking and technology sectors.
