PESHAWAR: TransPeshawar, the company that operates Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) service has proposed reducing the number of buses on feeder routes due to on-going financial crisis.
The company is seeking provincial government’s support and seeking a total of Rs950 million, citing non-payment of outstanding balances by the provincial government.
The BRT administration has urgently urged the provincial government to promptly clear the outstanding dues, emphasizing that Rs580.60 for August and September were not paid, and by the end of the current month, the outstanding dues will reach Rs950mn. The company said that Immediate payment is essential to address the financial difficulties leading to the restriction of BRT services.
Sources reveal that insufficient funds are forcing thr company to limit operation of BRT services on feeder routes such as Kohat Road, Charsadda Road, and Ring Road. In the next phase, buses om Hayatabad rout will also be restricted, and various stops will be terminated.
Moreover, TransPeshawar is taking measures to cope with financial challenges, including initiating layoffs of employees. The provincial government is also grappling with severe financial crises, and despite multiple attempts, it has been unable to secure funds from the federal government. This financial strain has not only affected the BRT service but also other developmental projects, causing delays.
Due to the lack of funds, the provincial government is unable to meet ongoing expenditures, leading to the non-payment of salaries to project employees. The financial constraints are negatively impacting various projects, raising concerns about the financial stability of the provincial government.
