Peshawar BRT records 80 million ridership in 2023

PESHAWAR: The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Peshawar has reported a commendable ridership of around 80 million individuals in the outgoing calendar year of 2023.

This milestone has contributed to a cumulative ridership of 215 million since the system’s initiation in August 2020, as per the annual report released by TransPeshawar, the operator of the urban transport system, on Tuesday.

The report highlights a notable shift in the gender dynamics of ridership, with women now constituting 30 per cent of the total commuters.

This represents a significant increase compared to the meagre 2 per cent estimated before the implementation of the BRT system.

Due to its growing popularity and demand, the BRT system is undergoing continuous expansion. Dr. Tariq Usman Saeed, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TransPeshawar, emphasised Zu Peshawar’s commitment to inclusivity and technological advancements.

The CEO stated, “Our ongoing efforts to make the system more welcoming for specially-abled individuals reflect our dedication to ensuring that everyone can access and benefit from our services seamlessly.”

The Zu app has undergone transformative upgrades to enhance the user experience, featuring options like recharging through Omni Shop, comprehensive travel histories, and NFC-supported balance uploads.

The focus on network expansion for broader city coverage through new feeder routes aligns with the vision of creating a world-class transit system that caters to the diverse needs of the community while accounting for social equity, according to Dr. Tariq Usman Saeed.

TransPeshawar’s spokesperson, Saddaf Kamil, informed the media that the system has introduced significant enhancements, including the incorporation of 62 new buses into the operational fleet and the activation of five new routes.

The fleet now totals 244 buses, actively meeting the growing demands and expectations of passengers.

The newly operational routes include Super Express Route XER 15, connecting Chamkani to the Mall of Hayatabad, along with two Express routes—ER-12 (from the Mall of Hayatabad to Shah Alam) and ER-16 (connecting Gulbahar Chowk to Nawab Market).

Additionally, two feeder routes, DR-11 and DR-04B, have been introduced, expanding connectivity within the city.

The system has experienced a daily passenger count of 316,000, with approximately 90,000 being women. This year saw the issuance of 234,000 Zu Cards, bringing the total number of issued cards to 1.67 million.

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To better facilitate students, a University Express Service was introduced on ER 12 and XER-15, strategically adding extra buses during morning and afternoon rush hours to cater to the unique needs of the student community.

As Zu Peshawar gained popularity locally, it received global recognition, securing another international award this year and being selected as one of the five finalists for the World Resources Institute’s Prize for Cities award.

Zu Peshawar also showcased its model bus rapid transit system at the Mobilise Your City Conference in Manila.

The Zu Peshawar mobile app underwent upgrades, allowing passengers to recharge through Omni Shop, view travel and recharge history, and access bus schedules.

Zu Bicycle Sharing System also gained popularity, witnessing 3,825 new registrations and 202,000 trips, a 44 per cent increase from 2022.

The Zu Peshawar helpline received and resolved about 5000 calls for information and complaints in 2023, with an additional 3000 requests addressed through TransPeshawar’s social media platforms.

Zu Peshawar stands out as the first metro system in the country moving towards generating non-fare revenues, signing advertising contracts worth Rs350 million in 2023.

According to APP, the system has actively participated in the beautification of the city, completing renovation works at Tehkal, Phase 3, and Tatara Bridge. Tuck shops have been set up at 22 stations, and ATMs are now operational at the University of Peshawar and Mall of Hayatabad stations.

In conclusion, these initiatives underscore Zu Peshawar’s commitment to efficient transportation and the holistic improvement and well-being of the city.

They reflect the dedication to creating a sustainable urban environment for the benefit of the community, as stated by the spokesperson of TransPeshawar.

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