Abstract:
Pakistan public transportation system is gradually shifting to smart and sustainable public transport system. BUS Rapid Transit projects have been introduced in mega cities like Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and Peshawar. The main objective of the study was to find the impact of Mass transit projects of Lahore on riders and traditional formal and informal public transport. The study was conducted by carrying out questionnaire survey from 300 public transport users and interviews were taken from the authorities of Punjab Mass transit authority and Lahore Transport Company (LTC). It was found that people had switched from informal transport modes and private vehicles to BRT due to decrease in transport cost. Riders were found to be very satisfied with the accessibility, security, distance and time, internal and external services provided by Mass transit buses as compare to LTC buses. LTC faced major downfall after introduction of Speedo bus service as most of its routes were taken by Speedo and many private contractors left LTC resulted in decrease in number of buses and ridership. Respondents also expressed that sitting capacity in Mass transit buses should be improved which will make it easier for senior citizen to travel and service should be provided to sub urban and peri urban areas as well. To find the impact on informal transport system, questionnaire survey and focus group discussion from 40 rickshaws and Qing qi drivers was conducted and interview was taken from the president of rickshaw union in Lahore. Drivers were found to be very unsatisfied with their income level, working hours, job satisfaction, permissible routes, distance travel per day, ridership etc. after metro and Speedo had started operating as many of their passengers have switched to them and also Qing qi and rickshaws are now banned on some of the routes after Metro and Speedo, this situation has adversely affected the business of informal sector. Developments in public transport sector will help urban planners and transport departments in planning and organization of urban growth pattern and there is a need to plan the transit-oriented development which will result in achieving the goals of smart and sustainable cities.
