Afridi opens ‘pink bus’ service under BRT

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi officially unveiled new hybrid buses, expanding the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) fleet and introducing a dedicated Pink Bus Service for women. The inauguration ceremony, attended by key officials, saw Afridi and others highlight the significance of the new buses, the Pink Bus Service, solar project, and Hayatabad Depot.

The Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to delivering modern, safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly transport services. The fleet will grow from 244 to 296 buses with the addition of the hybrid buses, improving service frequency, reducing waiting times, and extending the BRT network. A Pink Bus Service, consisting of five buses, was officially launched to offer women a secure, comfortable, and dignified travel option along a 21-kilometre corridor from Gulbahar Chowk to Karkhano Market, operating Monday to Friday during peak hours.

The 1-Megawatt Solar Project at Chamkani Depot, capable of generating 1.38 to 1.44 million units of electricity annually, was also inaugurated. This project is projected to save approximately PKR 74.4 million annually and cut carbon dioxide emissions by around 469 tonnes. Additionally, the inauguration of the Mall of Hayatabad BRT Depot was announced, providing essential infrastructure to support the growing BRT fleet and network, including bus parking, inspection and workshop facilities, a fuel station, an automatic bus washing plant, and driver and staff amenities.