Government Plans to Expand Pink Bus Service Islamabad

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFE&PT) has announced plans to expand the Pink Bus Service Islamabad, a dedicated and free public transport initiative designed for working women and girl students.

According to an official source, the ministry is preparing to extend the bus routes to rural and peri-urban areas of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to improve accessibility and provide safer transportation for women from all backgrounds.

The initiative aims to make the Pink Bus Service Islamabad more inclusive by ensuring that female commuters from remote areas have equal access to secure and convenient travel options.

Enhanced Safety and Female Staffing

As part of the expansion, the ministry plans to deploy trained female staff and security personnel on all buses. This move is intended to create a safe and comfortable commuting environment for women and students.

The ministry will also introduce a feedback and complaint mechanism, allowing passengers to share their experiences and report issues in real time. These measures will help ensure continued service improvement, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of female commuters.

Current Operations and Achievements

The Pink Bus Service Islamabad currently operates 22 buses across five major rural sectors of ICT. The service runs during peak hours—from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.—benefiting over 4,000 girl students and working women daily.

Launched under the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the initiative is fully managed and funded by MoFE&PT, with no involvement from the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

A recent third-party evaluation confirmed the program’s effectiveness, highlighting improvements in travel safety, comfort, and confidence among women. The study also found that reliable public transport has enhanced women’s access to education and employment opportunities.

Future Plans and Service Enhancements

The ministry is considering adding more buses during rush hours, expanding routes, adjusting service schedules, and raising public awareness about bus stops and route information.

However, the implementation of these improvements will depend on fund availability in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

These planned upgrades reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering women through accessible and safe public transport in Islamabad, promoting equality and inclusivity in mobility.

Disclaimer:

This article is based on official information provided by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFE&PT). Details regarding expansion plans and funding are subject to future policy decisions and budget approvals. The content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official government notification.

Afsheen Gohar

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