News Desk |
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government has launched Pink Bus Service for female commuters in Mardan. A fleet of ten buses has been launched to facilitate the women on various routes in the city. Trans-board Peshawar has appreciated the steps of the government that ensures the safe ride of women in city.
The buses have a seating capacity of 40 passengers and also has facilities for the standing passengers. The intent of the Pink Bus Service is to provide a safe and hassle-free alternative of commute to women and children at economical rates. The government believes it is a crucial step in the empowerment of women.
The separate bus facility will empower women and promote their greater social inclusion, a crucial aspect of Sustainable Development Goals.
The bus service will be available for women till 10 pm each day. Additional security and safety measures have also been provided within the bus, the official added. The bus is provided with First aid kits for emergencies as wells as special bus control safety measures.
The buses have been donated by Japan to the provincial government. In the next phase, the government will extend the operation to Abbottabad. The fare for the pink buses has been set at Rs20. The buses will be driven by male drivers with female conductors.
Read more: New bus service giving Daewoo a tough time
A student while talking to media expressed her delight over the Pink Bus service and “was excited and happy that finally, females can now travel with peace as in local buses, they have to face harassment and many bullies; this pink bus project was a good hope.”
The females have expressed their pleasure over the bus service who otherwise are reluctant to take public transport. Women often encounter sexual harassment by male passengers in public buses that discourage them to move freely outside their home.
The separate bus facility will empower women and promote their greater social inclusion, a crucial aspect of Sustainable Development Goals.