Orange Line Bus Service Faces Major Setbacks, Prompting Concerns in Karachi
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June 6, 2023
Multimedia Story by Ghazam Khan, Sajal Shaikh and Areeba Shah
Sindh government launched this short track Orange line with high hopes of easing public transportation woes in the bustling metropolis, has encountered significant setbacks, leaving commuters disappointed and raising concerns about the viability of the project. Despite recent infrastructure improvements and the introduction of multiple Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, the Orange Line Bus Service in Karachi has come under fire from the public due to its limited reach and inadequate connectivity. Launched last year in the month of September as part of the city's transportation overhaul, the Orange Line has failed to meet public expectations, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction among commuters.
The Orange Line Bus Service was conceptualized as a short track BRT project, connecting various parts of the city to facilitate public transportation. Initially planned to commence in 2016 and slated for completion in 2018, the project faced significant delays and was eventually finished in 2022, taking six years to come to fruition. Spanning a mere 3.9 kilometers, it is the smallest BRT project in the country, featuring a fleet of 18 buses with a capacity to transport over 50,000 passengers daily.
The AO Chowk Terminal serves as a crucial junction where the Green Line BRT intersects with the Orange Line BRT. However, this connection point is nearly half a kilometer away from the Orange Line's track, inconveniencing commuters and leading to criticism that the service lacks adequate connectivity. The public views the Orange Line as a recreational option or a means to enjoy air-conditioned buses, rather than a practical mode of transportation. Due to the short routes, passengers often have to make multiple transfers and pay twice to reach their desired destinations, deterring many from utilizing the service.
Karachi residents, especially those residing along the Orange Line route, have expressed their disappointment, claiming that the Sindh government hastily established the service without taking into account the public's need for efficient and convenient transportation. With the limited distance covered by the Orange Line, people tend to rely on their motorcycles or local autos to travel such short distances, rendering the bus service unnecessary for their daily commute. While the buses and the track are praised for their quality, the short routes have significantly hindered the public's ability to fully benefit from the Orange Line Bus Service.
The prevailing sentiment among the public is that the Sindh government should have prioritized the expansion of the Orange Line to cover more areas and connect with other vital transportation hubs. The project's current limitations have not only deterred potential passengers but also raised questions about the efficacy of the short-track BRT concept in Karachi.
This idea for a metro bus system is based on a fleet of 18 buses and is designed to carry more than 50,000 people each day. At the AO Chowk Terminal, the city's Green Line BRT connects with the Orange Line BRT.
As commuters eagerly await improvements in the Orange Line Bus Service, there is a growing consensus that the Sindh government must address the concerns regarding connectivity and route expansion. To ensure the success and viability of the BRT project, it is crucial for the authorities to take into account the needs and expectations of the public. Only by considering these factors can Karachi establish an efficient and comprehensive mass transit system that truly caters to the requirements of its residents.
The project was completed within 6 years in 2022.
The public uses orange line bus service just for fun or to enjoy air conditioner buses.
The public says the Sindh government rapidly established the route of the orange line bus service, which completely facilitates the public's reaching their destination.
Spanning a mere 3.9 kilometers, it is the smallest BRT project in the country, featuring a fleet of 18 buses with a capacity to transport over 50,000 passengers daily
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