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.
