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Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Green Line BRT ridership soars after takeover by Sindh govt: Sharjeel
KARACHI: Following the transfer of the Green Line BRT from the federal government to the Sindh government, its daily ridership has seen a significant increase, rising from 52,000 to 72,000 over the past six months. In this regard, the 15th Board Meeting of the Mass Transit Authority was held under the chairmanship of Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon at his office in the Sindh Secretariat. During the meeting, it was decided to take comprehensive measures to increase the daily rider ship of the Green Line BRT to 150,000 passengers. The meeting was attended by Mayor Sukkur Arsalan Islam Sheikh, Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, MD SMTA Kamal Dayo, and other senior officials. During the meeting, MD SMTA briefed the participants on the organization's performance and the ongoing urban transport projects. The SMTA Board approved the portfolio for the Annual Development Program for the year 2025–26 and issued directives for the immediate completion of these projects. The Board also approved the engagement of a non-fare revenue firm for the property management of the Green and Orange Line bus projects. Speaking on the occasion, Senior Minister of Sindh and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, said that following the handover of the Green Line from the federal government, the Sindh government has taken effective measures to operate the system more efficiently, the positive outcome of which is evident in the consistent increase in ridership. He stated that the integration of the Green Line and Orange Line has provided greater convenience to the public and significantly improved their daily commute. Sharjeel Memon added that the Sindh government is striving to make these projects financially self-sustainable through the adoption of non-fare revenue models. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
New Paper
11-07-2025
- Business
- New Paper
12,000 lower-income households to get $60 transport vouchers by end-July
More than 12,000 lower-income households under the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term (SMTA) and Long-Term Assistance schemes will automatically receive a $60 public transport voucher (PTV) by the end of July. This is part of the Government's efforts to ease transport costs for lower-income households, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow in a Facebook post on July 11. Beneficiaries under the scheme can expect to automatically receive the voucher by July 31 via post or SMS, if they opted in. Residents who previously applied for the voucher but have not received it or need more assistance can appeal online or at their local community centre by Oct 31. Each eligible household will receive one PTV, and these vouchers can be used to top up fare cards or buy monthly passes. The vouchers are valid until March 31, 2026. More than 320,000 vouchers have been given out under this exercise, Mr Siow added. Under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), ComCare provides financial assistance and social support to individuals and families who need help with daily living expenses. Individuals and families are eligible for the SMTA if they are unable to work for a period of time, are looking for a job or are earning a low-income and require assistance to meet basic living needs. Eligible applicants for Long-Term Assistance are those who are permanently unable to work due to old age, illness or disability, have limited or no means of income, and little or no family support. Applicants can check their eligibility at In January, the Transport Ministry and the People's Association said eligible households that did not receive PTVs in 2024 can apply for the $60 PTVs online or at their local community clubs from Jan 14 to Oct 31 to help defray the public transport fare increase. These are households with a monthly income per person of up to $1,800. From Dec 28, 2024, adult passengers began paying 10 cents more for each train and bus ride, as part of a 6 per cent public transport fare hike, while seniors, students, people with disabilities and low-wage workers enjoying concessionary fares started paying four cents more for each journey. "Our commitment is that public transport will always be affordable for all Singaporeans," Mr Siow added.
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Over 12,000 lower-income households to receive $60 in transport vouchers by end-July
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The vouchers are to help lower-income passengers cope with the latest public transport fare hike. SINGAPORE – More than 12,000 lower-income households under the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term (SMTA) and Long-Term Assistance schemes will automatically receive a $60 public transport voucher (PTV) by the end of July. This is part of the Government's efforts to ease transport costs for lower-income households, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow in a Facebook post on July 11. Beneficiaries under the scheme can expect to automatically receive the voucher by July 31 via post or SMS, if they opted in. Residents who previously applied for the voucher but have not received it or need more assistance can appeal online or at their local community centre by Oct 31. Each eligible household will receive one PTV, and these vouchers can be used to top up fare cards or buy monthly passes. The vouchers are valid until March 31, 2026. More than 320,000 vouchers have been given out under this exercise, Mr Siow added. Under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), ComCare provides financial assistance and social support to individuals and families who need help with daily living expenses. Individuals and families are eligible for the SMTA if they are unable to work for a period of time, are looking for a job or are earning a low-income and require assistance to meet basic living needs. Eligible applicants for Long-Term Assistance are those who are permanently unable to work due to old age, illness or disability, have limited or no means of income, and little or no family support. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore steps up nuclear viability, safety research with new institute and $66m in additional funds Singapore NDP 2025: Leopard tank transmission fault identified, vehicle to resume role in mobile column World Trump nominates 'alpha male' influencer to be ambassador to Malaysia Business CEO pay: At Singapore's top companies, whose pay went up and who saw a drop? Opinion Whisper it softly, there's a new Japan rising Business Popiah king Sam Goi makes $123.5 million offer to buy rest of PSC Singapore Youth who performed lewd act on cat ordered to undergo probation Life Singer Jacky Cheung adds 3 more encore concerts in Singapore, bringing total to 6 shows Applicants can check their eligibility at . In January, the Transport Ministry and the People's Association said eligible households that did not receive PTVs in 2024 can apply for the $60 PTVs online or at their local community clubs from Jan 14 to Oct 31 to help defray the public transport fare increase. These are households with a monthly income per person of up to $1,800. From Dec 28, 2024, adult passengers began paying 10 cents more for each train and bus ride, as part of a 6 per cent public transport fare hike , while seniors, students, people with disabilities and low-wage workers enjoying concessionary fares started paying four cents more for each journey. 'Our commitment is that public transport will always be affordable for all Singaporeans,' Mr Siow added.
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SMTA, KFC sign MoU to provide scooter training to women
KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Sindh government is taking comprehensive measures to empower women. He emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) has always advocated for women's rights. He highlighted that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto took historic initiatives such as establishing the First Women's Bank, setting up Women's Police Stations, and distributing land to landless women farmers. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) and the renowned international food chain KFC at a local hotel in Karachi. The MoU was signed by SMTA Managing Director Kamal Hakim Dayo and KFC CEO Raza Pirbhai. Sindh Senior Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon, Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, and other senior officials were present at the ceremony. Under the agreement, the Sindh government, in collaboration with KFC, will establish training centers in all divisional headquarters across Sindh to provide scooter driving training for women. Addressing the ceremony, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that President Asif Ali Zardari launched the country's largest income support program, which provided financial assistance to millions of women. He added that during the PPP's tenure, women were issued national identity cards and granted the right to vote. He stated that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pledged to rebuild two million houses destroyed in the recent floods, with ownership rights being granted to women. He noted that this initiative represents the world's largest housing project. Sharjeel Memon said that the Pink Bus was Pakistan's first women-only public transport project, which received praise from international media. He added that the government has now decided to provide free Pink EV Scooties to women to help them become more independent. He stated that so far, 8,000 women have applied for free scooters, out of which 140 already hold driving licenses. KFC has offered to provide driving training for women and cover their license fees. Raza Pirbhai added that the training will be conducted at divisional headquarters. Sharjeel Memon stated that the bidding process for this project will be transparent, and scooters will be distributed purely on merit. He added that the Sindh government will soon launch a Pink Taxi Service, and more buses, including double-decker buses, are expected to arrive in Pakistan next month. Sharjeel Memon said that the Sindh government has also introduced Pakistan's first electric buses. He added that the country has recently overcome a major challenge, and now it is time for all of us to work together to move the nation forward. On the occasion, KFC CEO Raza Pirbhai hosted a reception in honour of the distinguished guests and expressed pride in being part of this important initiative to empower women in collaboration with the Sindh government. He stated that KFC is committed to not only creating employment opportunities for women but also ensuring they are given the full right to lead a dignified life. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Sindh takes the lead to empower women
The Sindh cabinet has approved several key projects, including the procurement of 1,000 pink electric motorcycles for women, double-decker buses and electric vehicles (EVs) for the metropolitan city, and the improvement of Keejhar Lake. One of the key decisions was the approval of a programme aimed at enhancing female mobility through sustainable transportation. The Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) plans to introduce 1,000 pink electric motorcycles specifically for women at a cost of Rs300 million. These bikes will be distributed through an open balloting process. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of Sindh, either students or working women, and agree not to sell the two-wheelers for seven years. The cabinet believes this project would empower women by offering them greater mobility, independence, and economic opportunities. The cabinet also greenlit the procurement of 50 public transport buses for the metropolis. This includes 15 double-decker buses to operate on Sharae Faisal and 35 electric buses for other routes in the city. The Rs3 billion project aims to provide a cleaner, more efficient public transport system for Karachiites. The cabinet was informed that the provincial government is working with the Centre on the Greater Karachi Bulk Supply Scheme K-IV to increase water supply by 1,200 cusecs. This scheme, which has a budget of Rs39.94 billion, is crucial for ensuring sustainable water access for the city's growing population.
