The Bus Rapid Transit BRT system in Peshawar
The Bus Rapid Transit BRT system in Peshawar, a major urban mobility initiative, serves thousands of commuters every day offering affordable and efficient travel across the city. While it has become a lifeline for the public, the very individuals who operate and maintain this system—its staff—are fighting a quiet battle of their own. Despite their essential role, BRT staff members continue to face hardships particularly in securing travel relief and basic employment benefits
The Backbone of Urban Commute
Since its launch, the BRT system has significantly reduced commuting time for the residents of Peshawar. With modern buses, dedicated lanes, and a streamlined schedule, BRT has revolutionized public transportation in the city. Behind this success is a dedicated workforce of drivers, conductors, maintenance crew, station managers, and administrative staff. These employees often work long hours under tight schedules ensuring the system runs smoothly from dawn to dusk .
BRT staff are responsible for maintaining not only punctuality but also safety and order across the network. Drivers maneuver large buses through traffic and tight terminals, station assistants help passengers board and disembark while technicians perform daily maintenance checks. In essence they are the unsung heroes of urban mobility in Peshawar .
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Disparity in Benefits
Despite their critical role these staff members report a stark disparity between their responsibilities and the benefits they receive. One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of travel relief. Ironically many employees have to pay for their own commute to and from work—often using the same BRT system they help to run
Interviews with several staff reveal a sense of injustice. We ensure thousands reach their destinations safely every day said one station supervisor yet we cant even get a free ride to work It’s demoralizing. Another driver noted the inconsistency Passengers pay a nominal fee for a quality service but we spend a good portion of our modest salaries on travel alone .
Contractual Employment and Job Insecurity
Another major grievance is the contractual nature of employment for many BRT staff. While some enjoy full time positions with benefits a significant portion work under third party contractors. These employees often do not receive the same protections healthcare or paid leave as their directly employed counterparts
Most of us are on short term contracts shared a maintenance technician. There is no job security. At the end of our term we don’t know if we’ll be rehired. There’s no pension no medical insurance nothing that recognizes our hard work
The Psychological and Economic Toll
The lack of benefits including travel relief has created an atmosphere of anxiety and disillusionment among staff. Many feel their loyalty and contribution are undervalued. Financial stress compounds the issue as transportation costs eat into their already modest incomes. Some workers report spending up to 15 percent of their salary just commuting to work .
These challenges have emotional and mental health implications. When you have to think twice before taking the bus you help run it eats away at your morale said a junior employee. The feeling of neglect from management and government bodies only exacerbates the situation .
Comparison with Other Transit Systems
In contrast staff working in similar transit systems across the country often receive better benefits. For instance employees of Lahore’s Metrobus system reportedly enjoy subsidized travel health benefits and more secure contracts. Similarly Karachi’s emerging BRT network is already setting policies to accommodate staff welfare from the onset .
Experts argue that this discrepancy reflects poorly on the Peshawar BRT’s management and underscores a lack of uniform labor policies across provincial transport initiatives. If we want sustainable public transport said a labor rights advocate we need sustainable employment conditions for those who make it possible .
Calls for Reform and Recognition
Several unions and advocacy groups have begun calling for reforms in how BRT staff are treated. Their primary demands include free or subsidized travel for all employees equal benefits for contractual workers and clearer paths to permanent employment .
The workers themselves are also organizing to raise awareness. Peaceful demonstrations and petitions have been initiated seeking intervention from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the TransPeshawar management .
Management’s Response
When approached for comment a TransPeshawar spokesperson acknowledged the concerns but stated that logistical and financial constraints limit their ability to offer free travel and other benefits. We are reviewing internal policies the spokesperson said and are open to recommendations that can be implemented without compromising overall system efficiency .
While this response offers a glimmer of hope staff remain skeptical. Many believe only sustained public and media pressure will lead to real change .
Conclusion
The Peshawar BRT has become a symbol of modern efficient urban transport in Pakistan. However its ongoing success is built on the labor of dedicated staff who currently lack basic employment protections and support. Addressing the disparity between the service provided and the treatment received by these workers is not just a matter of fairness—it is essential for the long term sustainability of the system .
As Peshawar looks to the future of mobility it must also reflect on the value it places on its transport workers. Until then the struggle of BRT staff for travel relief and dignity continues even as they help thousands of others reach their destinations every single day .