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Pakistani netizens call for better public transport after Swvl says its pausing services

Pakistani netizens call for better public transport after Swvl says its pausing services

The bus-sharing service suspended its operations "in light of the global economic downturn".
02 Jun, 2022

Swvl is putting their transport services on pause and people, especially students, who rely on them as a mode of everyday travel are disappointed by the news.

Public transport, something that is a given in a lot of places around the world, is something that is a work in progress in Pakistan. When companies like Airlift and Swvl introduced their services, the public heaved a sigh of relief because they could ditch the only other options i.e. expensive cab rides and public buses that were unsafe and relatively unsanitary.

But on Thursday, popular bus-sharing service Swvl announced that it would be "pausing" daily rides within Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Faisalabad from Friday (June 3) "in light of the global economic downturn".

Swvl users took to Twitter to express their dismay. According to this user, Swvl is the only service that connects all sectors of Islamabad and it is a big disappointment to lose it.

It is a "massive blow to the white collar segment of society."

Students are another group that is majorly impacted.

Some working people also relied on the bus service because they don't want to drive to their offices.

Public transport is supposed to be cheap and now the only good options are gone, say users.

Airlift, which began as a bus-hailing service, also suspended operations during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. And now Swvl is joining it.

Will you be impacted by the pause in services?

Comments

NYS Jun 02, 2022 07:05pm
PM and Punjab CM Give some better option to commute locally people are distressed already
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M. Saeed Jun 02, 2022 07:23pm
Then, what will happen to their fleet of mini-buses?
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Amin Jibril Jun 02, 2022 10:10pm
Government should come to its rescue. It will be much cheaper to rescue it than Government to provide alternative service.
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Student Jun 03, 2022 04:20am
So Sad. Hope its temporary, like for June & July only when many students have vacations
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A Jun 03, 2022 04:26am
Will people accept rise in tariff to cover rise in prices at pump?
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A Jun 03, 2022 04:27am
Koi baat nahi airlift hai.
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Ahmad Faheem Jun 03, 2022 04:36am
Government should provide better public transportation for Rawalpindi and Islamabad in all places
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Amjad Jun 03, 2022 07:40am
Sha me on ppp govt and pdm
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Zia ul Haq Jun 03, 2022 08:32am
The first sign of multiple organ failure?
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Umair Sadiq Jun 03, 2022 09:50am
This was a frustrating news for me, when SWVL raised call for shut down due to economy recession. I was a permanent customer of SWVL since its inception on Pakistan grounds as my convenient and affordable ride towards my office location. This made my life much easier to reach the destination within stipulated time following professional well trained staff and automated tracking system. I believe that decision was taken up considering below profit making estimates by the SWVL management in our region. I wish SWVL should reconsider its measures with any alternative solution of increasing fares, because we Karachicites have no alternative option to move instead of relying on 70's bedford buses. Welcome back to purana Pakistan.
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Hi Jun 03, 2022 11:25am
With exorbitant fuel price how can private businesses succeed
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Adnan Jun 03, 2022 04:36pm
A Solid plan for local transportation within Rawalpindi Islamabad and its surrounding is urgently needed. After termination of contract of Varan bus service . Terminal n depot of GTS Rawalpindi is lying vacant that can be utilized by the services of any well reputed transport company.
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Adnan Jun 03, 2022 04:39pm
Local transportation with in Rawalpindi Islamabad is pathetic expect metro
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Ijaz Ali Jun 04, 2022 09:20am
The only reliable urban transport system is a city wide tram service. Unfortunately, Pakistanis only considers railways and trams as grandad horse-carts…we can’t grow up as a nation unless we start making mature decisions as a nation…!
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jun 04, 2022 06:22pm
Bring back Swvl's transport service please.
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Kashif Abbasi Jun 05, 2022 12:22am
That is very unfortunate and disappointing news for Pause of Service by SWVL lot of peoples specially Females easily and safely travel frequently.
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FQ Jun 05, 2022 11:24am
It was only because of Swvl that I was able to complete my education easily. Before that, I couldn't afford to pay Rs. 600 - Rs. 700 per day on Uber/ Careem so I had to stop going to the university. Moreover, as a female customer, I never felt unsafe riding their buses. I pray that they resume their business soon.
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Komal Jun 06, 2022 07:03am
I was using swvl from last year n it was very convenient option but unfortunately it has services have been dismissed which is very disappointing for all of swvl users
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Suleman Saeed Khan Jun 08, 2022 03:40pm
Dear all, SWVL was providing great service with big issues like. A. No proper rout permits (LTC/their system!!). B. Daily challan for each vehicle (by RTA, LTC & City traffic police). C. Corporation branding fee. D. Corporation mehsol fee (for some vehicles). E. Societies entrance fee. D. Department staff expenses. With all this, running rides were difficult. I don't know it was like system didn't .............. . Now fuel prices raised and gonna raise more. That cosed pausing rides. They are working on some special routes (with extra charges...). Prayers for all.
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Suleman Saeed Khan Jun 08, 2022 03:44pm
@M. Saeed mine are parked..
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