Project Brief:

Karachi, a megacity with over 20 million residents and Pakistan’s economic powerhouse, faces significant transportation challenges that impede urban mobility, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability. Despite its industrial and demographic importance, the city lacks a cohesive, accessible, and reliable public transit system. This research aims to address this gap by examining the spatial distribution, operations, and challenges of informal transit systems, specifically privately owned buses and Qinqi rickshaws. The study will map operational routes and identify key transit corridors, analyze the role of Qinqi rickshaws within the broader transport network, and assess how these modes of transport facilitate access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment. Additionally, it will explore the decision-making processes behind route selection, profitability, and the spatial expansion of these modes. By conducting geospatial analyses and integrating insights from stakeholders, this project will provide an evidence-based understanding of the informal transport sector in Karachi. The goal is to inform urban mobility policies that are equitable, sustainable, and integrated with formal planning efforts, such as the Karachi Mobility Project’s BRT systems. Ultimately, this research seeks to contribute to a more efficient, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban transport framework for Pakistan’s largest city.

Public Policy Relevance:

This research underscores Pakistan’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities). It focuses on improving transport accessibility, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering inclusive urban development. The challenges facing Karachi, such as declining road safety, vulnerability to climate impacts, and congested roadways, highlight the urgent need for transit reform. By examining the structure and effects of informal transit systems, this study aims to provide valuable insights for evidence-based policy interventions. It will assist city planners and government agencies in incorporating informal transportation networks into formal urban mobility frameworks, thereby ensuring efficient, equitable, and resilient transport solutions not only for Karachi but also for other rapidly urbanizing cities in Pakistan.

Team Details:

Principal Investigator
Zaineb Mustafa Disawala
Independent Researcher, Karachi

Co-PI
Aatika Saleem
Independent Researcher, Karachi

Co-PI
Neha Khatri
Independent Researcher, Karachi