MASS TRANSIT TRANSPORTATION STUDY: PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLANNING FOR KARACHI

The author describes the recently completed Karachi Mass Transit Study, outlining the background and possible future developments. The results of the study showed that at present all types of buses were overcrowded, and safety and operating practices were deficient. There was insufficient policy orientation towards mass transit and fare levels were inadequate. Traffic congestion and highway encroachment was substantial. Five alternative strategies were defined, tested, costed and analysed in detail. These ranged from a low-capital bus plan to a rapid transit system (heavy rail or Metro). The selected transitway, of 87km total length, consisted of busways of which some 30km was elevated over busy junctions in restricted right of way, and 19km on transitional ramps. The maximum station spacing is 1km. The plan provides a network designed for initial use by buses but with full provision for conversion to light rail transitways. Forecasts show that the network in operation as busways could cope with the likely total patronage up to the year 2010. Any improvements would be implemented jointly by the public and private sectors. Statistics are provided of both current and forecast modal split between various types of transit. A cost benefit analysis was also carried out for the various options.