RTA approves transport reforms, plans digital meters for rickshaws

KARACHI: The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Wednesday approved a series of reforms to improve Karachi’s public transport network, including the rationalisation of bus routes, the introduction of digital fare meters in rickshaws and the expansion of intelligent traffic management systems to ease congestion.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the RTA Board, chaired by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, and attended by Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, DIG Traffic Syed Pir Muhammad Shah, traffic SSPs, Assistant Commissioner (Headquar-ters) Iqra Jannat, RTA Secretary, Director Traffic Engineering Bureau, and other senior officials.

The board conducted a detailed review of the Sindh government’s proposed Karachi Mobility Project and agreed that the city’s bus route policy should be restructured to better reflect passenger demand and improve access to public transport.

Naqvi directed the RTA Secretariat to give priority to issuing bus route permits for underserved and suburban areas where residents continue to face inadequate transport facilities. He said the route network should be planned on the basis of public need to ensure equitable transport access across the metropolis.

The meeting also agreed to discourage unnecessarily long intra-city bus routes as a more efficient route structure would improve operational performance and commuter convenience.

Reviewing traffic management measures, officials informed the meeting that the computerisation of traffic signals was underway at five major intersections. Work has already begun at PIDC, Sindh Club (Metropole Hotel) and Avari Towers, while upgradation of the Teen Talwar and Boat Basin intersections is expected to begin shortly.

The Commissioner was further informed that 12 of Karachi’s 16 previously non-functional traffic signals had been restored, with work continuing on the remaining four.

To address persistent complaints of overcharging by rickshaw drivers, the RTA approved the installation of digital fare meters in rickshaws. Under the proposed system, fares will be calculated automatically according to the distance travelled, allowing passengers to view the exact fare and promoting greater transparency and accountability in public transport.

The meeting said the reforms form part of broader efforts to modernise Karachi’s transport infrastructure, improve traffic flow and provide safer, more efficient and commuter-friendly transport services across the city.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026