The Sindh government has decided to induct 180 electric buses -to be powered by solar energy- on the feeders of the BRTs so that cleaner and more efficient public transportation solutions could be established in addition to bringing an end to the operational subsidy.
This was disclosed in a meeting held between Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar and Asian Development Bank high power delegation led by Ms F Cleo Kawawaki, Principal Director and Head of Office of Market Development and PPPs (OMDP), according to a handout issued from CM House on Friday.
The project aims to introduce electric buses on BRT feeder routes. It aligns with the focus on climate change, resilience, and carbon credits. The operational Business Plan (Feasibility Study) of the project is going to commence at the end of December 2023.
Chairman P&D Shakil Mangejo told the ADB head that the Green and Orange Lines have been implemented in Karachi to facilitate estimated passenger traffic of 50,000 per day. With the induction of feeder route buses, existing and future lines will be integrated which will contribute towards the long-term sustainability of the overall system.
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Secretary Transport said that under the project 170-180 electric buses would be inducted into the existing BRT routes of Green and Orange Line.
Partial electricity generation through solarization under a wheeling mechanism could help reduce operating costs targeted to be covered through tariff and non-tariff with no requirement for operational subsidy.
The ADB head Ms. F. Cleo Kawawaki said that the ADB was working with the provincial government and would support the project.
