KARACHI (May 4): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah while launching Automated Fare Card for Peoples’ Bus Service vowed to provide a modern, efficient, safe, and smooth public transport system in the form of People’s Bus Servicec to the people of the province.
“This Automated Fare Card has amazing features such as it is a contactless payment, reloadable balance, compatibility with various transit systems.”
“I am delighted to announce that the people of Karachi have acknowledged the services provided by PPP’s Sindh government by giving more votes to PPP in the recent general elections, he said and added that although the number of votes and seats gained by PPP in Karachi was less than his expectations, his leadership and he were content that the people of the beautiful city [of Karachi] have shown confidence in PPP and its leadership.
“I assure the people of Karachi that just like we brought an end to bomb blast, targeted killings in the city, we would also work towards putting an end to street crime,” he said and added he aimed to make Karachi a peaceful and liveable megalopolis.”
He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony Automated fare Collection (AFC) for Sindh People’s Bus Service organised by Minister Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon here at a local hotel. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, President, East Arabia Division, Mastercard K. Khalil and team members, Mike Johnes SVP, Public Sector Eastern EMEA, Mastercard President, Bank JS Bashir Shamsi, Global Head of Public Sector, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Mastercard and others.
Mr Shah said that he was proud to be the champion of the great initiative of Automated Fare Collection (AFC) for Sindh People’s Bus which promised to reshape the communication landscape in our country.
The Chief Minister stated that his government has consistently taken initiatives to adapt to changing circumstances, such as promoting digitization, encouraging the use of eco-friendly electric buses, and advancing energy conservation. Undoubtedly, the Sindh government has set benchmarks for progress and revolution. He added that the importance of AFC (Automated Fare Collection) systems underwent significant stride in our efforts, which work towards facilitating cashless transactions and enhancing the efficiency and convenience of public transportation services.
Murad Shah recalled that the Sindh Intra-District People’s Bus Service Project, initiated in 2021 amidst significant inflationary challenges, was set to introduce an Automated Fare Collection System. “This initiative aims to facilitate seamless, cashless transactions within the project, enhancing efficiency and ease of use for commuters,” he said.
Initially, the implementation of the Automated Fare Collection System has been inaugurated on two pivotal routes, namely Route-1 from Model Colony Malir to Tower and Route-9 from Gulshan-e-Hadeed to Tower, the CM said and added this phased approach would allow the transport dept to evaluate its efficacy before extending it to additional routes.
Murad Shah announced that the commencement of the system on the remaining routes is scheduled to be accomplished progressively within 90 days.
The features of AFC include contactless payment, Reloadable balance, and compatibility with various transit systems.
Senior Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon addressing the ceremony said that work on Yellow Line has been started. The successful operation of People’s Bus in the city and other districts would be improved further, he said.
Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah accompanied by Senior Minister for Transport Sharjeel Memon inaugurated Automated Fare Collection (AFC) for Sindh People’s Bus Service with a Fare Smartcard and then by boarding the bus after punching the card.
Murad launches Automated Fare Card for contactless payment, Reloadable balance, compatibility with various transit systems
