BRT Peshawar achieves milestone

Irshadullah Khan

PESHAWAR: Zu Bus Rapid Transport Peshawar achieved record growth in the year 2024 with 86.5 million journeys logged and daily ridership surging to 345,000.

Trans-Peshawar’s flagship Zu Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system continues to set new milestones, as the company’s annual report reveals 86.5 million journeys completed this year alone, bringing total ridership to over 300 million since its inception, its management said.

Daily ridership reached an impressive 345,000 passengers, with women accounting for nearly 30% of the total.

Zu Peshawar introduced three new routes in 2024: DR-14 (Islamia College to Regi Model Town), DR14-A (Islamia College to Professor Model Town), and DR-13 (Sardar Garhi to Pabbi). The service also launched University Express routes on ER-09, ER-10, ER-12, ER-16, and SR-08 to provide greater convenience to students.

International recognition

The Bus Industry Restructuring Program (BIRP) of Zu Peshawar was honored with a special mention at the Sustainable Transport Awards by the Institute for Transport Development and Policy (ITDP), adding to its tally of five international accolades.

The Zu Bicycle Sharing System (BSS) also made significant strides, with 2,130 new registrations – including 17 women – bringing total registrations to 8,951. The BSS facilitated nearly 224,000 trips this year, further integrating sustainable travel options for residents.

The system’s integration with NADRA now allows passengers to register for bicycle-sharing services directly at BRT stations, eliminating the need to visit NADRA service centers.

Enhanced customer services

According to Trans-Peshawar spokesperson Sadaf Kamil, Zu Peshawar’s call center resolved over 20,000 complaints this year, while social media channels provided guidance to more than 3,500 customers. Agreements were finalized to establish three new Tuc shops at stations, raising the total to 25.

Furthermore, 115 wheelchairs were provided at stations in collaboration with Al Khidmat Foundation to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities.

Global recognition

Zu Peshawar’s achievements were showcased on global platforms, including the Sustainable Transport Awards webinar by ITDP, the IMF and World Bank’s conference in the USA, and the Asian Development Bank’s ‘Mobilize Your City’ conference in Manila, where it was presented as a model transit system.

Beautification of Peshawar

Beyond transport, Zu Peshawar contributed to the city’s aesthetic development, completing beautification projects at Hashtnagari, University Town, Islamia College, and PDA underpasses. These initiatives reflect Trans-Peshawar’s commitment to enhancing the city’s urban environment.

With over 240,000 new Zu Cards sold this year, bringing the total in circulation to 1.9 million, and record-breaking passenger engagement, Zu Peshawar remains at the forefront of modern, inclusive, and sustainable urban mobility in Pakistan.