THE Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been allocated 160 electric busesto operate onfeederroutesforthe metro bus service, connecting them to various lines within the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network. As part of the project, 216 bus stops and four depots will be established at strategic locations, complemented by a robust charging infrastructure to support ongoing operations.

With the addition of these electric buses, the CDA`s fleet will become one of the largest among all civic bodies, further expanding the authority`s existing fleet of buses and wagons.

The CDA, established under the CDA Ordinance, 1960, is primarily tasked with urban development and planning within the federal capital. However, its responsibilities and expertise do not extend to the operation of public transportation systems.

The CDA lacks both the resources and specialised manpower required to effectively manage such a large-scale public transport operation.

Without conducting comprehensive surveys of commuter patterns, including peak and off-peak hours,the buses are likely to operate inefficiently, potentially serving less critical routes at the expense of those with higher demand.

Given these challenges, it would be more logical and effective to establish an independent transport authority. This new body could address both the shortand long-term transportation needs of the federalcapitalwhile stayinginformed of global trends and best practices in public transport. It should also coordinate with educationalinstitutionsto accommodate their specific transit requirements.

The CDA is already heavily burdened with numerous responsibilities, including urban planning, infrastructure development, maintenance of government buildings, managing rapid urban expansion and encroachments, and overseeing essential services like water supply, sanitation, and climate change initiatives.Adding transportation management to its already exhaustive list of duties could strain teh CDA`s capacity to effectively oversee and regulate urban planning and engineering functions.

Mohammad Zubair Islamabad