BusCaro, a startup based in Karachi, has secured $1.5 million in seed financing to address the transportation challenges faced by ordinary Pakistanis commuting to work, school, and shops.
The country often grapples with unsafe, unreliable, or unaffordable transport options. BusCaro, meaning “take the bus” in Urdu, fills the gap between Pakistan’s unreliable public transport and expensive alternatives like taxis, rideshares, and rickshaws.
Operational in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, BusCaro collaborates with 40,000 minivan and minibus drivers, connecting them with passengers through partnerships with employers and schools. By ensuring a steady flow of passengers on key routes, BusCaro enhances driver earnings and offers lower fares to passengers, ultimately prioritizing safe travel.
CEO Maha Shahzad, who founded BusCaro in October 2022, emphasizes the importance of safe and affordable transportation as a fundamental human right. This is especially crucial for Pakistani women, with 85% reporting instances of sexual harassment during public travel. Shahzad recognizes the need for safer options for men as well.
“We can’t even begin to enable and empower women if they can’t travel to school or work safely, safe and affordable commute should be a basic human right.” -CEO Maha Shahzad
To fulfil its safety commitment, BusCaro conducts background checks on drivers and ensures vehicle roadworthiness. The company’s app includes a panic button for passengers to request assistance, coupled with vehicle tracking technology during routes. Beyond safety benefits, BusCaro estimates a yearly reduction of over 3 million kilograms of carbon emissions.
With 20,000 daily bookings, BusCaro aims to achieve profitability in Q1 2024 and plans to expand, targeting a market of 7 to 8 million passengers across the three cities it serves. The company, funded initially by Shahzad’s savings and angel investors, has attracted backing from Orbit Startups.
William Bao Bean, managing general partner at Orbit Startups, commends BusCaro for its purpose-driven approach, enabling affordable and safe transportation that fosters diversity and inclusion. Orbit’s investment will support BusCaro’s technological enhancements, with international expansion also on the horizon.
Difficulties Faced by Women in Pakistan
Women in Pakistan often encounter difficulties and safety concerns when using public transport. According to a report by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in Pakistan, women face various challenges during their commutes, contributing to their reluctance to use public transportation.
- Sexual Harassment: One of the primary concerns for women in Pakistan is the prevalence of sexual harassment in public spaces, including public transport. The SDPI report highlights that a significant number of women experience harassment during their journeys, leading to a sense of insecurity and fear.
- Lack of Safe Spaces: Public transport vehicles and stations often lack adequate security measures, making women vulnerable to harassment and other forms of violence. The absence of designated safe spaces within transport systems adds to the challenges faced by female passengers.
- Limited Female-Friendly Facilities: The SDPI report notes that the scarcity of female-friendly facilities, such as clean and accessible restrooms, contributes to the discomfort experienced by women during their travels. The lack of these facilities makes it more challenging for women to undertake longer journeys.
- Cultural Norms and Stigmas: Societal norms and stigmas associated with women using public transport can act as barriers. Conservative attitudes may discourage women from travelling independently, especially during certain hours or in particular modes of transportation.
- Unequal Access to Opportunities: Limited and unsafe public transport options can impact women’s access to education and employment opportunities. A study published in the Pakistan Journal of Commerce and Social Sciences emphasizes that safe and reliable transportation is essential for women’s participation in various spheres of life.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive efforts from both the public and private sectors to create safer and more inclusive transportation systems. Initiatives like BusCaro, as mentioned in a previous response, aim to provide a safer alternative for women and other passengers in Pakistan, addressing the identified issues in public transport.
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