The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to introduce a dedicated electric bus service for women, with an initial fleet of 30 pink buses. The move follows directions from the federal government and the Interior Ministry.
Sources said the CDA is engaging its partners to acquire the buses. It will approach Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to import them, likely from China, following the same arrangement used for the existing fleet of more than 160 electric buses.
The CDA, through its contractor, currently operates electric buses on over 20 routes in Islamabad. Sources said women and girls have struggled to find space on these buses during peak hours, prompting the decision to launch a women-only service.
A senior CDA officer confirmed the plan. He said the concerned wing has been directed to prepare a summary for the CDA board, and that talks with HIT will proceed once the board approves. He added that citizens have responded positively to the existing service.
The pink buses will run on the same routes as the current service. New routes may be added if required, the officer said. He said the service could begin within three months.
Separately, the CDA is advancing a double-decker bus service to promote tourism. It approached HIT for a feasibility study and cost estimate. The CDA board has approved the project, and the Development Working Party has cleared its PC-I.
The service will start with four buses on a 25-kilometre city tour from F-9 Park, covering Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa and Shakarparian. The officer said the project is at an advanced stage and will begin soon.
