40 percent minibuses converted to CNG

Around 40 percent of all pubic transport minibuses operating in the city have been converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). There are more than 20,810 registered buses and minibuses operating in the city. Recently, some companies have introduced a new technology to convert diesel vehicles to CNG in the city.
After the introduction of this technology and frequent increase in diesel prices conversion of public transport buses to CNG have started on massive scale and gaining momentum with the passage of time to save fuel expenses and enjoy additional income from recent increase in buses and minibuses fare.
The owners of minibuses and their association are not prepared to pass on some portion of double benefit they get due to difference in CNG and diesel price and recent increase in bus fare by Rs 2 to the commuters. The government after strike by transports Ittihad and owners of the buses, coaches and minibuses increased transport fare from minimum of Rs 12 to Rs 14, and maximum from Rs 18 to Rs 20 which has increased huge burden on commuters.
The minibus owners also mint money by allowing passengers to sit on rooftops. These transporters enjoy huge profit margins at the cost of poor commuters. It is said that old and unfit vehicles are allowed to ply on Karachi roads. Some years ago ticketing system was reintroduced in busses and minibuses but it failed with the connivance of rules implementing agencies like police. The bus never stops for passengers on the stop as the driver only slow down the bus for dropping the passengers. The passengers have to actually jump out of the bus. As soon as their feet are off on the bus the conductor taps the gate and the bus picks up the speed once again.
Women are 52 percent of Pakistan's population but only four seats are allocated to them in the public buses including one over the engine. In spite of the less number of seats and space available for females, male passengers sometimes occupy women compartment as well. Moreover, those people who daily depend on public buses for transportation are fortunate enough if they reach home safely without facing any mishap. According to an official of the ministry, there are 12,000 old buses and coaches currently plying on the city roads.