Pink Buses
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar made an important announcement on Friday regarding the launch of pink buses in Lahore, aimed specifically at enhancing travel options for women in the city.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve public transport and make it safer and more accessible for female commuters.
During a recent session, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, raised concerns about the municipal corporation’s tax subsidies and their potential impact on the residents of Toba Tek Singh.
He emphasized that the financial burdens of infrastructure projects in Lahore should not fall solely on the citizens of Toba Tek Singh.
Khan argued that if the Lahore Metro project is to advance, the local government should also play a role in contributing to its development costs.
This call for equitable sharing of resources highlights the need for collaboration among different governmental levels to ensure fair treatment for all residents.
In response to these discussions, Minister Akbar expressed his disappointment over the lack of acknowledgment for local governments and underscored the necessity of reforms that would empower these bodies to effectively manage provincial matters.
He reiterated the significant investments already made in Lahore and explained that the introduction of the metro would lead to development charges that could facilitate smoother business operations in the city.
As part of his transport agenda, Akbar revealed plans to establish Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in several cities, including Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Multan.
He stated that a total of 300 pink buses would be operational on 16 routes throughout Lahore, with one to two buses specifically designated for women on each route.
This move is designed to create a comfortable and safe environment for female passengers, who often face challenges in public transportation.
In addition to these plans, opposition member Sardar Muhammad Ali Khan made a request for the government to consider implementing similar transportation solutions for women and students in Fateh Jang.
This plea underscores the growing demand for improved public transport options across the province, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and students.
Overall, the introduction of pink buses and the plans for enhanced transportation infrastructure reflect a commitment to not only improve mobility in Lahore but also to promote gender equity in public services.
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