KP government releases Rs1bn for BRT operations

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has allocated Rs1 billion to TransPeshawar for the operations of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service during the four-month period from November 2023 to February 2024.

Additionally, funds have been disbursed to cover the ongoing operational costs and ensure that outstanding payments to service providers for the BRT were promptly settled. There were social media reports recently that the service was likely to be closed for lack of funds for its operations.

“There is no truth to the rumours that the service is being closed or limited due to lack of funding. TransPeshawar remains committed to delivering exceptional public transportation services to the residents of Peshawar,” said Zafarullah Khan, Special Assistant to the chief minister for Transport and Housing.

“Zu Peshawar currently serves 300,000 passengers daily. Any disruption or closure even for a short period would have far-reaching consequences on the lives of residents of Peshawar and the socio-economic fabric of the city,” added Zafar.

He thanked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government particularly Minister for Finance Ahmad Rasool Bangash for releasing the funds. He added the funds would help settle the outstanding payments to the service providers, ensure the continued provision of the BRT services to the people of Peshawar.

He said the government was taking steps to provide better services to the people using the BRT service and put in place a system of checks and balances.