Female Drivers and Pink Bus Initiative by Government of Sindh……… By Sami Ullah Malik

Female Drivers and Pink Bus Initiative by Government of Sindh
By Sami Ullah Malik
In August 2023, Government of Sindh made a monumental decision of incorporating the Pink Bus initiative for female local transport users in Karachi, Sindh. These buses are exclusively reserved for women, with female drivers operating them. The concept behind these
buses is to address the safety concerns and provide a secure environment for women traveling in public transportation. The introduction of Pink buses were aimed at encouraging more women to use public transport without feeling vulnerable or uncomfortable, especially in
crowded and male-dominated settings. These buses are focused on breaking gender stereotypes, providing training opportunities, and creating a more inclusive work environment within the transportation sector. In the same context, training was scheduled, and programs were formulated. The training was based on importance of women empowerment and gender equality and resolve to initiate a comprehensive program for newly appointed female drivers. The training aimed to inculcate necessary skills and knowledge to handle the Pink busses efficiently and cater to the needs of women passengers. Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Pakistan (AKAHP) in pursuit with its objective to improve quality of life and safe environment for communities within Pakistan initiated the Program of Green Defensive Driving based on efforts intended at reducing the environmental impact of vehicles, including buses, through the adoption of eco-friendly practices and technologies. In the same purview a training was initiated for 51 drivers of Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA), National Highway and Motorway Police (MH&MP), National Council Pakistan, and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan (AKAHP). Around 21 female drivers also participated in the training (18 Pink bus drivers from SMTA and 3 female drivers from AKAHP). The training was organized for two days 15 – 16 December 2023. The training was divided into knowledge and practical based sessions. National Highway and Motorway Police (MH&MP) specially provided qualified instructors along with training simulators and aids to make training useful for the participants. The training enhanced the skills of drivers in safe driving and incorporated the behavior of eco-friendly driving by reducing pedal shift and ensuring low carbon emissions. Training included safe driving skills like use of Smith Space Cushion technique, high aimed driving, safe distance technique, precision driving by using speed technique, reversing, use of side and back safety mirrors, driving under adverse weather conditions and buckling toadd safety, while driving. The training was made possible with the special contribution of Mr.Kamal Dayo Managing Director (MD), Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA), Madame  Mehrunissa Hashmani, Regional Program Manager (RPM), Sindh and Central region, AKAHP, Officials from National Highway and Motorway Authority (NH&MP) and National Council,
Pakistan