Gone are the days when the locals had to memorize the names of the local domestic busses, and the routes they took. From changing multiple vehicles to reach their destinations, to the snug seating and spaces, seems like an eternity has passed since the locals opted to travel in the domestic busses.
Apart from the hustle and bustle required to travel in these busses, there is a myriad of reasons why these busses, which were once the most popular public transportation, have seemingly lost their appeal. Especially when it came to seat segregation for men and women, and the utterly unsafe environment for females in this mode of travel. Not only were women provided with a meagre seating area, but the countless cases of harassment that occurred on a daily basis also prompted these women to opt for different modes of transportation. This became one of the major reasons for the fall of these local buses.
And to give back the public space that was meant for both men and women, the Sindh government launched Pakistan’s first ever women-only bus service, on 1st February 2023. However, the question remains as to why the once in-demand domestic busses, suffered such a lamentable decline.
Domestic Busses; A Former Epitome of Traditional Art
Although unmatched by their erstwhile glory, traditional domestic local busses can still be found roaming the roads of Sindh. As one of the cheapest modes of travel, these buses still account for one of the largest networks of public transportation to have ever existed.
Not only that but, the intricate and boisterous art, made with bright, dazzling and vivid colours has inspired many an artist. There have been multiple exhibits conducted, over the years, to showcase this form of art and introduce the world to it. One such was held in September 2021, supported by the Australian High Commission showcasing public busses artwork with Australian and Pakistani images by artists including Imran Ahmad and Fatima Saeed.
Nevertheless, it is a fact that these buses, which once were the top mode of public transportation, are suffering a tragic decline. Apart from only exiting in the Sindh province, these busses, according to a survey conducted by The Express Tribune, are now extremely old, some even older than 40 years, and have long surpassed their functional life. Thus, making them extremely unsafe for passengers.
Other major cities like Lahore and Islamabad, have various schemes of busses, including metro, green and blue line busses, that have been in place for over a decade. And now Karachi, too, has inaugurated both the green line bus service, which started on 25th December 2021 and Orange Line, which started on 10 September 2022. This because of another reason why people have stopped opting for local domestic buses.
Launch of Women-Only Pink Buses
1st February 2023, became a paramount day in the history of Pakistan, as the Sindh Government launched the country’s first women-only bus service, the Pink bus service. With a route that starts from Model Colony and runs through to the Tower via Sharae Faisal, has become an instant hit amongst the female population.
With a seating capacity of 50, 2 reserved for special needs, there are about 8 busses, with an all-female staff, that have been in service since the 1st. And more are rumoured to join in the bunch. As stated by The News, these buses will run every 20 mins, from 7 am to 11 am, and then from 4 pm to 9 pm. And every hour, the rest of the time. The transport minister, in an answer to the controversy surrounding female drivers, pointed out that women are driving dumpers in Thar, and F16 fighter planes, these are just buses.
Impact of the Pink Buses
So far this week, the Pink bus service has become instantaneously popular amongst its intended audience. Women have reported feeling empowered and independent with the option of safe travel through the city of Karachi.
Many a student have voiced their relief saying that their parents always felt unsafe sending their daughters out to schools and colleges in a city that is becoming increasingly popular for street crimes and harassment. With an option for all-female transportation services, girls who once faced ominous travels, every time they stepped out of their houses, can now travel without fear.
Not to mention the ample opportunities it has opened up for women, in terms of jobs. With the predicted success of this service, more women will have the option to work in a safe environment. In this day and age, when women fear stepping outside of their houses, for any reason, it’s refreshing to see their country take a step for these women and empower them by creating a safe space for them.
A Safe Future in Making for the Women?
Despite domestic buses, which then were the largest mode of transportation, being available for everyone, the daily occurrence of harassment and an all-together unsafe space for women caused a decline in their popularity of them. Women opted to pay more and travel in rickshaws or taxis, out of fear for their safety. This coupled with the diminishing conditions of these buses, due to age and wear, led to the ultimate decline in their usage.
These buses may still be seen on the streets of Sindh; however, they are in no way safe for any passenger that boards them. And even though services like Green and Blue line buses are available in Karachi, an unsafe environment still existed for all the women who traveled on them, on a daily basis.
Therefore, the establishment of a bus service dedicated solely to the women of the city, offering safety and ample job opportunities, was met with utter and resounding approval. As stated by Quaid-E-Azam himself, “No nation can rise to the height of glory unless the women are side by side with you”, the launch of the Pink bus service is definitely a step in the right direction towards making this country a safe space for women.
