The Sindh government is set to revolutionize the public transportation payment method in Karachi by implementing a prepaid payment system for the Peoples Bus Service starting April 18.
During a press briefing in Karachi, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh’s esteemed Senior Minister for Excise, Taxation, Narcotics Control, Transport, and Mass Transit, disclosed the provincial government’s plan to phase out cash payments in favour of a more streamlined prepaid system beginning mid-April.
In addition, Memon revealed plans to expand the Peoples Bus Service in Karachi with two additional routes post-Eid and introduce the service in Mirpurkhas next month. He also shared the forthcoming acquisition of 500 new buses, poised to enhance the existing fleet.
Starting April 18, an automated fare collection system will be rolled out on selected Peoples Bus Service routes in Karachi. The system will also introduce prepaid cards for passengers across all service routes, including the BRT Green Line and Orange Line.
Memon specified, “The automated system will be operational for Route-1 and Route-9 from April 18.” He emphasized that the forthcoming card system is designed for comprehensive applicability across all public transport networks, including future BRT projects.
On the topic of BRT development, Memon announced the imminent commencement of the BRT Yellow Line project post-Eid. The initial phase will include the reconstruction of Jam Sadiq Bridge in Korangi as part of the infrastructure upgrade.