In an effort to promote a less congested and pollution-free environment, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the City District Government (CDGK) have come together to develop a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System. It is considered to be a viable alternative to traditional public transport.

The system uses buses to ply a designated lane that runs along the centre of the road. It is not only cheaper to construct, but is also profitable for bus owners to operate and relatively inexpensive for commuters to use. People who otherwise take a motor vehicle can avail this mass transit system.

The City District Government has formulated a Karachi Clean Air Committee and has also formed a Mass Transit Cell inviting relevant stakeholders to initiate a BRT system.

Mirza Anwer Baig, Deputy-Director, Mass Transit Cell-CDGK, said that it was a great responsibility and the government needed some time to consider the plan and its implementation. He, however, added that assigning of a systems manager to keep a check on the performance of vehicles was a positive step.

Another solution is to run public transport vehicles on CNG which is an environment-friendly fuel. This also reduces the expenditures on transport which is why most vehicles have been switching to these engines.

Millions of people in Karachi use public transport as a daily routine but with the passage of time, as the population burgeons, so does traffic congestion ultimately leading to an increased density in air pollution. The issue has been raised time and again but not much has been done to reduce it and many still tend to disregard the dangerous repercussions attached to it.

Involuntary consumption of vehicular emissions is known to be the cause of most premature deaths and diseases. Findings indicate that even though diesel engines have higher fuel efficiency and lower carbon monoxide content—and emission, they also emit particulates and nitrogen oxide inhalation of which leads to cancer and respiratory diseases. The two-stroke engines in rickshaws are also major sources of hazardous particulate and hydrocarbon emissions.

Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable segment of the population, especially asthmatics. This natural problem is accentuated by the population themselves on account of the rapid increase in the number of motor vehicles. Consequently, the urban air quality is affected.
The current urban traffic situation makes the need for a mass transit system even more imperative. "What is required is an integrated transport planning and vehicle replacement strategies," says Mohammad Aqib, Co-ordinator of Pakistan Clean Air Network, (IUCN).
A Clean Air Initiative Programme by United Nations Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and hosted by the IUCN in seven different countries, is aimed at promoting and demonstrating innovative ways to improve air quality. Through an air quality management (AQM) programme it aims at reducing the growing problem of air pollution that threatens public health, productivity, and overall quality of life.
However networking between stakeholders and the government and sustained public participation is what is lacking for the reinforcement of the plan.

Source: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/feb2006-daily/18-02-2006/metro/k5.htm