Draft- April 25, 2011 Motorbike Mass Transit An Exploration into the Potential and Problems of the Rapid Increase in the Use of Motorcycles as a Transport Mode in Karachi, Pakistan By Arif Hasan and Mansoor Raza (Draft, 25 April 2011) Arif Hasan – Architect and Planning Consultant 37-D, Muhammad Ali Society, Karachi – 75350, Pakistan Tel: (92.21) 3452 2361; Email:
[email protected] Page 1 of 35 Draft- April 25, 2011 Foreword This study, which has been supported by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), UK, is really an initial exploration into the growing use of motorbikes in Karachi. The potential of motorbikes as an alternative means of commuting to public transport, and its advantages have been studied. However, as the research progressed, it was realised that for a proper understanding of the issue and its many nuances, a number of more detailed studies are required on each of the sections that form a part of the text of this report. It is hoped that the organisations who are involved in working on transport related and social issues will promote further research on this subject. For this reason, this report is being sent to the individuals and organisations listed below. These include organisations that are involved with social and women issues since the study addresses the desire of women interviewed for riding motorbikes. A presentation of the study is planned at the Urban Resource Centre in Karachi. A. Government Organisations: 1. Malik Zaheer ul Islam, Former Director of the Karachi Mass Transit Cell of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) 2.