Buses in Pakistan As the Washington Post reports, a new 14-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) system opened in Pakistan this month, connecting the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It follows the success of the similar bus system in Lahore, which started operation in 2013. Pakistan has lacked efficient public transport in the past; these air-conditioned buses in dedicated lanes are designed to make urban travel easier and quicker. The systems are also heavily subsidised, to provide an affordable transport option. “The new service is offering a window into how transformational mass transit can be for the poor and middle classes,” writes Tim Craig. The rapid bus systems have not been without controversy, however: several politicians have argued that the money could have been spent on education, health care or social services instead. Nevertheless, a new one is planned for Karachi