CDA plans 30 pink electric buses for women in Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to introduce a dedicated electric bus service for women in Islamabad, starting with 30 pink buses. The aim is to give women and girls safer and more convenient public transport, especially during rush hours.

A senior CDA official confirmed that the authority has decided to launch the service. The relevant department has been directed to prepare a summary for approval by the CDA board. Sources told PhoneWorld and TechJuice that the federal government and the Interior Ministry directed the authority to move ahead.

Once the board approves, the CDA plans to engage Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to arrange procurement of 30 electric buses, likely from China. The procurement is expected to follow the model used for Islamabad's existing electric bus service.

The decision follows the CDA's observation that women and girls often struggle to find seats at peak hours because of high passenger demand. According to the reports, the pink buses will at first run on routes the existing electric bus service already covers. Additional routes could be added depending on passenger demand and operational needs.

Islamabad currently has more than 160 electric buses running on over 20 routes. A senior CDA official said the service has drawn an encouraging response from commuters. The authority hopes to start the pink bus service within three months, subject to the required approvals and procurement arrangements.

Daily Times reported that the service will target working women, female students and elderly women.

Separately, the CDA is moving ahead with double-decker buses to promote tourism. Its board has approved the project and the Development Working Party has cleared its PC-I. Four double-decker buses are planned for a 25-kilometre city tour from F-9 Park covering Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa and Shakarparian. The official said this service is at an advanced stage and could begin soon.