Red Bus Service Karachi
In a major initiative to enhance public transit in Karachi, the Sindh government has launched the eagerly awaited “Red Bus Service Karachi.” This new service is designed to provide residents with efficient and accessible transportation choices.
The People’s Bus Service features air-conditioned red buses that can carry about 42 passengers, with designated areas for women. Each bus also has room for an additional 42 standing commuters. The fare is set at PKR 49 for most routes, while Route 9 charges PKR 99 after Malir Halt.
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Red Bus Service Routes
The Peoples Bus Service operates on eight routes, connecting residential neighborhoods with important industrial and commercial districts. Currently, 260 buses are functioning on seven of these routes during the first phase of operation.
- Route 1: Model Colony to Dockyard (30 km)
- Route 2: North Karachi to Indus Hospital (32 km)
- Route 3: Power House to Shaan Chowrangi (33 km)
- Route 4: Power House to Tower (22 km)
- Route 9: Gulshan e Hadeed to Tower (45 km)
- Route 10: Numaish Chowrangi to Ibrahim Hyderi (29 km)
- Route 11: Shireen Jinnah Colony to Miran Nakka Lyari (20 km)
These buses run daily from 7 am to 10 pm, with intervals of around 17 minutes during peak times and 33 minutes when demand is lower.
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Bus Service Routes
| Route | Distance (km) | Status | Terminals | Route Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | 30 | Operational | Model Colony to Dockyard | Connects Model Colony to Dockyard, passing Model Mor, Malir Halt, Colony Gate, and several other stations including Arts Council and Shaheen Complex. |
| Route 2 | 32 | Operational | North Karachi to Indus Hospital | Links North Karachi to Indus Hospital via stops like Nagan Chowrangi, Shafiq Mor, and Shah Faisal Colony. |
| Route 3 | 33 | Operational | Power House to Shaan Chowrangi | Travels from Power House through Usman Mor, Liaquatabad, and Karsaz until reaching Shaan Chowrangi. |
| Route 4 | 22 | Operational | Power House to Tower | Runs from Power House to Tower with key stops at Shafiq Mor, Civil Hospital, and Bolton Market. |
| Route 9 | 45 | Operational | Gulshan e Hadeed to Tower | This long route covers extensive areas, including Salah Uddin Ayubi Road and several neighborhoods, culminating at Tower. |
| Route 10 | 29 | Operational | Numaish Chowrangi to Ibrahim Hyderi | Connects key city points like Numaish, Dolmen Mall, and DHA phases, highlighting significant commercial areas. |
| Route 11 | 20 | Operational | Shireen Jinnah Colony to Miran Nakka | Covers important spots such as Bilawal Chowrangi and Haji Camp, linking various notable community locations. |
People Bus Service Electric Buses
The Peoples Bus Service has also rolled out electric buses named EV-1, EV-2, and EV-3 to serve routes from CMH Malir Cantt to Dolmen Mall Clifton, Bahria Town to Malir Halt, and Malir Cantt Check Post 5 to Numaish, respectively.
Easy Access and Ticketing
Passengers can easily board Peoples Buses at the nearest stops without the need for advance reservations. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus conductor, and the average waiting time at stops is approximately 12 to 17 minutes.
Operational Details
The Red Bus Service Karachi operates every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays, ensuring reliable service. However, it may experience service interruptions due to severe weather, though it continues to run during rainy conditions.
Travelers have the flexibility to transfer between routes to reach their destinations. However, they will need to purchase separate tickets for each leg of their journey.
In August 2023, the Red Bus Service expanded its network with two new routes: R12, connecting Khokrapar to Lucky Star Saddar via Quaidabad and Korangi Crossing, and EV-3, from Malir Cantt Check Post 5 to Numaish via Johar Chowrangi and Bahria University.
Beyond the Peoples Bus Service
It’s essential to note that the Peoples Bus Service operates separately from the existing and planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines in Karachi. These include the Redline BRT (Malir Halt to Numaish), Green Line BRT (Surjani to Numaish), Yellow Line BRT (Dawood Chowrangi to Numaish), and the Karachi Circular Railway. Together, these projects aim to transform Karachi’s public transport system, offering commuters better options and improved connectivity.
Stay tuned for further developments as remaining routes under the Peoples Bus Service are expected to become operational in the near future, enhancing Karachi’s transportation landscape.