ELECTRIC BUS INITIATIVE IN SARGODHA: A QUALITATIVE SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY INTO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION

Abstract

Transport systems in urban areas are critical in ensuring social inclusion, environmental sustainability and mobility particularly in developing nations such as Pakistan. The current paper will offer the sociological explanation of the Electric Bus Initiative in Sargodha including the direct intercity corridor between Sargodha and Bhera. The research examines the experiences and perceptions of the different social groups about climate-sensitive public transportation intervention. A qualitative research design was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were carried out on twelve participators purposely selected using semi-structured interviews, which included students, workers, patients, and elderly companions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The results show that the electric bus service has greatly improved the economic inclusion and affordability of the population especially to women, students, low-income employees and patients since it lowers the costs of traveling. Moreover, the attitude towards safety and environmental awareness was also improved. But a number of challenges were found, including over-crowding, lack of seating and accessibility by the older and physically challenged. Nevertheless, the project is most often perceived as the sign of development, modernization and the beneficial government intervention. The paper identifies that though the Electric Bus Initiative on the Sargodha-Bhera route is an exciting move in terms of sustainable urban mobility and climate action, the consideration of social equity, inclusiveness, and service improvement areas should be addressed to achieve long-term success. The research raises the issue of the sustainability of the project as there are gaps in governance, the capacity to provide services and responsiveness to the needs of the people that may affect the impact of the project in the future.