Peshawar is the capital of the northwestern province of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and is the sixth-largest city of Pakistan. It is known for its ancient civilization, exemplary hospitality, an endless variety of delicious food, and patriotic zeal. The city is also known as the ‘city of flowers’. Due to its geographical location, Peshawar is the economic hub of the region. Being among the most ancient cities, Peshawar is also the center of trade. It is a city with the most famous tourist spots. But despite all these positive traits, the city had its fair share of challenges like any other growing city in the world.
As Peshawar was listed among the rapidly growing cities, providing accessible, affordable and comfortable public transport emerged as a big task. Dilapidated mass transit vehicles, countless private vehicles, scattered pedestrians all resulting chaotic traffic and terrible pollution were various facets of this challenge. Public transportation options were limited to pickup trucks, poorly maintained buses, and expensive taxis. As Pakistan embarks on economic and industrial development, Peshawar also accepted the challenge to fulfill the need for public transport. In 2013, the Government of KPK introduced the idea of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for Peshawar. The system was inaugurated on 13th August 2020, by Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan.
In 2017, Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) launched the construction of the project. On 19th October 2017, the former chief minister of KPK, Pervez Khattak, laid the foundation stone of the project. The BRT consists of an east-west corridor that stretches from Chamkani to the Karkhano market. The system consists of elevated, at ground, and underground sections. The corridor is served by 32 Bus Stations designed to be modern and safe. Each station is within 850 meters reach making it convenient for the passengers to access public transport. There are separate waiting rooms, bathrooms, and ticket counters for women.
BRT has planned almost a fleet of 220 air-conditioned and heated, flat-floor buses. Each bus provides free Wifi services, and charging ports for commuters. Buses are supplied by a Chinese company named Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co. Ltd. The new system deploys environmental friendly electric-hybrid system to improve transport conditions. The buses are charged within 20 minutes from their particular stations. Unlike normal public transport, an IT-based traffic control system provides availability of buses at the station after every 5 minutes for the convenience of passengers. Public transports are often overcrowded and risky for public safety when competing aggressively for passengers. BRT is a secure means of travel, especially for women and elders.
BRT is the only project that provides the facility of Park and ride. This allows commuters to avoid congested road traffic. It has provided cheap yet reliable transport to the passengers. It has also provided 4,000 employment opportunities, including the drivers of former public buses. On regular basis, approximately more than 2 lacs passengers are using this advanced service.
The stations are monitored through CCTV cameras, to ensure the security of the commuters. The buses are also equipped with security cameras. These cameras functions as a serious impediment to criminal activities and inappropriate behavior. These surveillance systems provide passengers with an added sense of security. Thus, making transport for independent women safer than ever.
For many disabled and mobility-impaired Pakistanis, transport has been a serious issue. For many handicapped and disabled persons, public transport was a life-and-death challenge. BRT has made accessibility a priority for the disabled. Every bus is wheelchair accessible with either a lift or ramp. Escalators are made for the feasibility of wheelchair users at every station.
The estimated cost of the system is RS 71 billion jointly financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), AFD, and the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project has expected to reduce greenhouse gas by 31,000 tonnes of carbon per year. These eco-friendly buses are beneficial for reducing vehicle emissions and improving the environment. Recently, Peshawar received an international award, the Gold Standard Service Award, for its clean technology buses and introducing non-motorized transport. Earlier, the BRT had also received the certificate of International Sustainable Award by the International Transport Organization. The UN Women has given privileged to the BRT for providing the best and safe traveling facility to women.
BRT has achieved its aim as the passengers are very satisfied with the facilities provided in this system. Earlier, there were severe challenges for women and elder civilians, but after the inauguration of BRT, females feel safe to travel in buses. Taking public transport for students inevitability means spending hours and changing several buses while commuting. BRT buses have provided a great facility to the student by reducing their travel times.
The CEO of BRT is focused to promote non-motorized transport by providing sidewalks and bicycle lanes for the students of the University of Peshawar. The project is transforming the lives of citizens through sustainable mobility.
