The world is waking up to the undeniable consequences of climate change, with its effects becoming more visible with each passing day. In Pakistan, this global phenomenon is severely disrupting numerous sectors, one of the most affected being public transport.

The rising temperatures, fluctuating weather patterns, and worsening air quality are all contributing to a shift in how transportation systems function, particularly in the major urban centers like Lahore and Karachi.

The public transport systems in these cities, which serve millions of commuters daily, are struggling to cope with the growing pressures brought on by climate change. As Pakistan faces increasingly hot summers, smog-filled winters, and erratic weather conditions, both Lahore and Karachi's transportation networks have come under immense strain.

From delayed schedules to air pollution, the impact of climate change on public transport is felt not only by the commuters but also by the systems themselves.

How temperature rise is affecting public transport schedules

Lahore, one of the hottest cities in Pakistan, has seen a steady rise in temperatures over the last few decades. With summers pushing past 45°C, the scorching heat places a significant burden on the city's public transport system. Buses and trains often experience breakdowns due to excessive heat, causing delays and disruptions for commuters who depend on them.

In 2024 alone, Lahore experienced its hottest summer in decades, with temperatures soaring to 46°C in June. This relentless heat severely impacted the daily schedules of public transport services, such as the Lahore Metro and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. As the temperature rises, there is an increased risk of engine overheating, tire bursts, and electrical faults in buses.

The high temperatures also take a toll on the drivers and conductors, with heat exhaustion leading to lower performance an more accidents on the roads.

In addition to this, extreme heat affects the energy consumption of public transport systems. The increased demand for air-conditioned buses, and the need for more frequent servicing of older vehicles, strains the already limited resources. The Lahore Metro, for instance, has had to adjust its schedules to avoid peak heat times, but this only causes inconvenience for commuters who rely on it to get to work, school, or medical appointments.

Moreover, the urban heat island effect in Lahore exacerbates the situation. Cities, especially dense ones like Lahore, tend to trap heat due to concrete roads, buildings, and limited green spaces. This phenomenon makes public transport infrastructure even more vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. The rise in temperature causes a cyclical effect: the hotter the environment, the more strain on public transport, and the less efficient it becomes, making it harder for commuters to depend on it for daily travel.

Unhealthy combination for Karachi's commuters

In Karachi, the situation takes a slightly different shape. While Lahore suffers from extreme heat, Karachi faces the growing threat of air pollution, particularly in the winter months. A city that is already notorious for its high levels of vehicular emissions now finds itself grappling with the added burden of smog caused by industrial emissions, construction dust, and unregulated burning of waste.

This thick blanket of smog reduces visibility, making it difficult for buses, rickshaws, and cars to operate safely.

The air quality index (AQI) in Karachi often hits dangerous levels during the winter, with the city regularly surpassing the 150 mark, categorized as "unhealthy for sensitive groups." This is a serious health hazard for commuters who are forced to breathe in toxic fumes while traveling on public transport. Respiratory diseases, asthma, and other chronic conditions have become more prevalent among the city’s population, particularly among those who depend on public transportation for their daily commute.

Karachi’s public transport system, including the Green Line BRT, faces its own set of challenges. The city’s buses and coaches are old, and the smog only makes it worse. The wear and tear caused by the pollution, combined with frequent breakdowns, makes it difficult for authorities to keep the transport system running smoothly. In a city that struggles with congestion and traffic jams, the added burden of poor air quality makes the daily commute unbearable for many residents.

One of the most significant issues is that public transport in Karachi is not equipped to handle such poor environmental conditions. Buses lack air filtration systems, and most of the fleet is old and poorly maintained, further aggravating the problem. Smog-related accidents have also become more common, as the poor visibility and compromised driving conditions create a hazardous environment for everyone on the road.

Transition to sustainable public transport

Despite the challenges, both Lahore and Karachi are beginning to recognize the importance of transitioning to more sustainable and climate-resilient transport systems. The need for innovation has never been more urgent, and authorities are slowly but steadily adopting new measures to tackle the crisis.

The introduction of electric bus service on certain routes in Lahore represents a promising step in the right direction. The city’s BRT system is expanding, and the addition of more environmentally friendly buses aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, are a crucial part of the city’s strategy to reduce the negative effects of transportation on the environment.

Similarly, Karachi is looking toward sustainable alternatives, with discussions underway for the development of an electric bus fleet for its BRT routes. The success of Lahore's electric buses may serve as an example for Karachi to follow. The Green Line BRT is also undergoing upgrades, with the aim to improve its efficiency and capacity while minimizing its environmental impact. The focus is on creating a more integrated transport system, with better coordination between buses, trains, and rickshaws, to reduce the overall carbon footprint.

Pakistan’s government has committed to reducing its carbon emissions, and public transport is an area where major improvements can be made. With the advent of cleaner technologies, the country has the opportunity to transform its transportation systems into more sustainable models, contributing positively to both climate mitigation and the health of its citizens.

In both cities, the need for investment in green infrastructure is clear. Expanding tree cover, creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces, and developing a robust cycling network could go a long way in mitigating the effects of climate change on public transport. The development of new climate-resilient infrastructure will not only improve the efficiency of transportation systems but also reduce the negative impacts of heat waves, air pollution, and congestion.

The road to sustainable public transport in Lahore and Karachi is long, but with the right investments and commitment to innovation, it is achievable. As climate change continues to reshape the world around us, public transport systems must evolve to meet the needs of a changing climate. It’s not just about improving efficiency; it’s about creating a more sustainable, healthier future for all Pakistanis.

The transition will require strong political will, collaboration between local governments, private sector partnerships, and active community involvement. As Pakistan seeks to navigate the challenges of climate change, cities like Lahore and Karachi have the opportunity to become pioneers in climate-resilient urban transport systems, setting an example for other cities in the region.