This paper deals with the socio-economic impacts that the BRT exercises on the various aspects of society; its social well-being, economy, health, happiness, reduction in carbon emissions, time saving, growth in business, and losses in business.

1. Government of the Punjab
INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PAPER
TOPIC: SOCIOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF BUS RAPID TRANSIT
SYSTEM IN LAHORE
WRITTEN BY:
Muhammad Hussain Rana
PMS- S&GAD
NAME OF COURSE:
24th Public Policy and Governance Course
A paper submitted to the Faculty of the PIMPD, in partial fulfillment of the
requirement of the 24th Public Policy and Governance Course
The contents of this paper are the end product of my own efforts, this research
paper reflect my own personal views and not necessarily endorsed by PIMPD.
Signature: ………………
Date:…………………
Paper supervised by:
Suhaill Munir
Senior Course Coordinator
PUNJAB INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT
AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2. 2
SOCIOECOMOMIC ANALYISI OF BUS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM IN LAHORE
Preface
This independent research project has been carried out in partial fulfilment of requirements for
completion of Public Policy and Governance (PPG) course, required for promotion of officers
of the Government of the Punjab from BS-18 to BS-19. This work of scholarship is incomplete
without acknowledging the contributions of several people without whose involvement, this
project would not have been possible.
Foremost, my sincerest gratitude is due to the Secretary, Management and Professional
Development Department (MPDD) for ensuring that the PPG course is designed to enable
interactions with leading domain experts visiting MPDD as resource persons. Special thanks
are also necessitated for equipping participants with research skills, in social sciences, and
presenting them with real life administrative problems to find solutions of. Any
acknowledgement of the MPDD’s constructive role shall be incomplete without mentioning
Director (Academics), Punjab Institute of Management and Professional Develop (PIMPD),
Mr. Moeen Ahmad. His constructive comments on the presentations and reports have provided
guidance and continuously enriched understanding of the governance climate in the province.
Sincerest and heartfelt gratitude is also extended to Mr Sohail Munir the course coordinator for
24th PPG course, whose amiable disposition and constructive outlook has always been helpful
in ensuring that the participants remain on- course even in taxing circumstances, when urgency
in meeting timelines might distract some off-the -ourse.
I am thankful to Mr. Tayyeb Farid PMS (BS 20) ex GM Punjab Masa Transit Authority
and Mr. Rizwan Aziz, Manager Operations PMA who helped me a lot in data collection
otherwise I would not have been able to conduct interviews of passengers and taken pictures
at the Shama Station .

3. 3
Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................4
Introduction.....................................................................................................................5
Literature Review .............................................................................................................9
Data and Research Methodology.................................................................................... 12
Study Area............................................................................................................................. 12
Research Methodology .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Data Collection and Analysis .......................................................................................................................13
Conclusion:..................................................................................................................... 21

4. 4
Abstract
“We wander for distraction but we travel for fulfilment.”
 Hilaire Belloc, writer, 1870-1953
.
This research paper aims to assess the positive and negative socioeconomic and
environmental impacts of the Metro BRT Lahore on its surrounding commercial activities, and
the added social benefits seen as a result of its operationalization. The study area includes eight
stations along the BRT route, from MAO College station to Kalma Chowk station. Primary
data was collected through structured questionnaires from shopkeepers along the route and was
tabulated using Microsoft Excel 365. The locations of surveyed shops were marked using GPS
and Google Earth Pro 7.
The study found that the Metro project has had a number of positive impacts on the
surrounding commercial activities in increased foot traffic and sales, improved market outlook
due to greenery, public lights, and safe road crossings. Moreover, it was also beneficial in
mitigating pollution and garbage and improving drainage and sewerage conditions.
However, the study also found that the BRT project has had some negative impacts on the
surrounding commercial activities such as traffic congestion, drainage and sewage problems
and parking issues(during the construction period) for s short period of time.
Overall, the study found that the Metro project has had a positive impact on the surrounding
commercial activities and socialization habits of the commuters. To get maximum benefits of
the Lahore BRT, it is important to mitigate the negative aspects of the system. The study
suggests that the development of new BRT projects in other cities of the country would be
beneficial for the overall economy, and environment. BRT projects can help to reduce traffic

5. 5
congestion, improve air quality, and create jobs. They can also help to revitalize commercial
areas and improve the quality of life for residents by improving their social interactions.
Key words: Bus rapid transit, socio-economic impacts, commercial activities, Bus Rapid
Transit System, travel time saving, vehicle costs saving, environmental emissions reduction,
green spaces, physical activity,Lahore, Pakistan.
Introduction
The ability to access jobs, education, and public services is a vital part of human
development. An efficient and affordable public transport system can connect people to their
daily life routines. Many big cities of the world are yet far away from the effective and
organized public transport with their mobility needs in the hands of private transport providers.
These cities are yet not prepared for the consequences, which include severe traffic jams, air
pollution, and accidents. A quality transport system is must for a city if people and their needs
are a priority of the administration.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is increasingly gaining recognition as one of the most effective
solutions for providing a high quality and cost-effective transport service. Due to rapid increase
in population and acquisition of private modes of transportation by the population, most of the
world megapolitan cities are adopting the bus rapid transit system as an alternate to low
occupancy vehicles and privately owned vehicles such as cars and motor bikes. Figure below
shows the estimated trips demand per day in Lahore,

6. 6
Fig 1. ( Irem Batool Research team 2020)
Why BRT Lahore was Constructed.
Lahore's urban transportation system currently includes both formal and informal modes of
transportation, such as buses operated by Lahore Transport Companies (LTC), mini vans,
rickshaws, motorbikes, taxis, and private cars. The existing public transport services in Lahore
face several challenges, including inappropriate schedules, inefficient use of road space, and
poor condition of public transport facilities like bus terminals and buses. These issues
significantly hinder urban connectivity. The factors contributing to these challenges include
increased travel demand, insufficient capacity, inadequate governance, and inadequate urban
transport planning (Dainichi, 2010; Imran, 2009). Similar to other developing economies,
Pakistan has primarily focused on investing in roads and highways to address urban transport
problems, while neglecting the provision of comprehensive public transport services (Kitamura
& Jamilah, 2009). Consequently, the implementation of suboptimal transport policies and
unfavorable conditions for public transport has led to a threefold increase in the use of private
cars in Lahore over the past decade, as passengers have shifted from high occupancy vehicles
like buses and vans.

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The significant rise in automobile usage has had detrimental effects on Lahore, including
increased road congestion, fuel shortages, road traffic accidents, and heightened environmental
pollution (Government of Pakistan, 2015-16). The transportation sector has emerged as the
largest consumer of oil in the country, accounting for 55 percent of total consumption.
Consequently, the oil import bills reached a staggering $7.6 billion (17 percent of the total
import bill) in 2016 (SBP Annual Report 2015-16). Comparatively, the amount of CO2
emissions produced by the transport sector for a given economic output is more than double
the regional averages. The economic loss due to road user expenses and injuries in Pakistan is
estimated to exceed Rs100 billion annually (Ahmed, 2007). Additionally, travel time
unreliability, characterized by uncertainty and unexpected delays during peak and rush hours,
imposes further costs on both travelers and society. In Karachi alone, Ali et al. (2014)
discovered a daily loss of approximately PKR 1 million attributed to traffic congestion.
Recognizing the urban transport challenges and the potential advantages of implementing
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems worldwide, the Government of Punjab in Pakistan
established the Punjab Mass-transit Authority (PMA) with the objective of providing safe,
efficient, and comfortable urban transportation in major cities across the province. The Lahore
Metrobus System, introduced in February 2013, was the first BRT system implemented.
Spanning a distance of 27 kilometers, it operates along a North-South route that intersects the
center of Lahore, connecting the Gajjumata and Shahdara bus terminals. The Lahore BRT
corridor is depicted in Figure 3. Generally, BRT systems are ideally deployed in areas with
traffic volumes ranging from 2000 to 4000 passengers per hour per direction (Wright & Hook,
2007). In Lahore, the estimated traffic volume during off-peak to peak hours ranges from 7000
to 9000 passengers per hour.
Sustainable urban transportation is the prime necessity of healthy lifestyle of the people
at the core of sustainable urban living; it allows people to move easily and interact socially, and
minimizes negative externalities on public health and environment both for present and future
generations. Urban transportation can be categorized into formal and informal modes: formal
transportation modes are typically those which are designed, planned and provided by the city
government such as walking and biking lanes, taxis, buses, trucks and rail, while informal
modes are administered by the private sector such as “paratransit”, “low–cost transport” “third
world transport” carriers including mini–vans, two or three-wheel rikshaws and chingchies
(Cervero, 2000).Formal urban transport is much popular in Eastern Europe and East Asia
(comprising 45 percent of total trips), whereas it is less popular in Sub Saharan Africa
(comprising only 5 percent of the total trips) because of unsatisfactory passenger’s mobility

8. 8
demands (Dorina & Dominic, 2015). Consequently, informal modes of transport serve as “gap
fillers” in these places (Mohareb & Felix, 2017). Besides, many commuters use their own
private vehicles and become vehicle dependent, even in developing countries (Ramadan,
2016); the number of registered vehicles has been increased to 1776 million vehicles in 2015
from 982 million in 2005, and is expected to rise up to a potential 2.6 billion vehicles by the
year 2050 (WHO, 2015; Wright & Hook, 2007).
In addition to formal and informal transportation, many people also use their own private
vehicles. This is especially true in developing countries, where the number of registered
vehicles has increased from 982 million in 2005 to 1776 million in 2015. The number of
registered vehicles crossed 4.5m by 2015 in Lahore.(REF)1 Same is the case in other
developing countries and is expected to continue to increase, reaching 2.6 billion by the year
2050. This increase in private vehicles is putting a strain on urban transportation systems and
contributing to air pollution and climate change and Pakistan is on the top of the list of most
affected countries environmentally.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems operate on dedicated lanes, which allow them to run
frequently and quickly. This makes them a more sustainable and efficient form of public
transportation than traditional buses or cars.
BRT systems have been shown to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse
gas emissions. They also promote physical activity and safety. In fact, BRT systems are ten
times safer per kilometer than traveling by car.
BRT systems are more cost-effective than rail transit systems, but they still require
significant capital investment. However, the social benefits of BRT systems, such as increased
social inclusion and reduced traffic congestion, more than compensate the investment.
Here are some specific examples of the benefits of BRT systems:
 Reduced traffic congestion: BRT systems can reduce traffic congestion by providing a
dedicated lane for buses, which prevents them from getting stuck in traffic. This can
lead to shorter travel times for both BRT riders and drivers of other vehicles.
 Reduced air pollution: BRT systems can reduce air pollution by replacing smaller, less
fuel-efficient vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles, with larger, more fuel-efficient
buses. This can lead to cleaner air and improved public health.
 Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: BRT systems can also reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by replacing smaller, less fuel-efficient vehicles with larger, more fuel-
efficient buses. This can help to mitigate climate change.

9. 9
 Promoted physical activity: BRT systems can promote physical activity by encouraging
people to walk or bike to BRT stations. This can help to improve public health and
reduce obesity rates.
 Increased safety: BRT systems can increase safety by providing dedicated lanes for
buses, which prevents them from getting stuck in traffic and makes it easier for drivers
to see them. BRT systems can also be equipped with safety features such as cameras
and alarms, which can help to deter crime and accidents.
Overall, BRT systems offer a number of social, economic, and environmental benefits.
They are a more sustainable and efficient form of public transportation than traditional buses
or cars, and they can help to improve the quality of life in urban areas.
To address these challenges, cities need to invest in sustainable urban transportation
systems. This includes expanding formal transportation networks, improving informal
transportation services, and making it easier for people to walk, bike, and take public transit.
By investing in sustainable urban transportation, cities can create healthier, more livable, and
more sustainable communities.
Literature Review
In recent years, many scholars have conducted research on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems
to understand their effectiveness in modern urban environments. For example, Saptra and
Widyasmara (2014) examined the impact of spatial arrangement on the performance of BRT
systems in Malaysian cities of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. Mulley and Tsai (2016) studied the
impact of BRT on residential land values and housing prices in Sydney Australia.
Mansoor et al. (2016) evaluated public opinion on the social and environmental impacts
of BRT in Lahore, Pakistan, and found that it was a positive development. In their paper, they
assessed the positive and negative socio-economic and environmental impacts of Metro BRT
Lahore on its surrounding commercial activities. They collected data from the shopkeepers of
shops situated along the route through a structured questionnaire and used GIS to prepare maps
for the study. They concluded that the Metro project has improved the overall market outlook,
controlled pollution, improved drainage and sewerage conditions, but also caused some
problems such as traffic congestion and parking. They suggested the development of new BRT
projects in other cities of the country for an efficient travel system.

10. 10
Kepaptsoglou et al. (2020) analyzed the opinions and preferences of travelers to find out
the factors that control various choices between different public transport modes in Multan,
Pakistan.
Rodriguez et al. (2016) examined the impact of BRT on built area, land use, and building
activity around BRT stations in Bogota and Quito, Ecuador. Zolnik et al. (2018) studied the
types of commuters using the BRT system in Lahore, with a focus on female riders.
These studies have shown that BRT systems can have a positive impact on urban
environments in a number of ways. They can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality,
and increase access to jobs and other opportunities. Movement of people for social activities
such as meet ups and gatherings is also facilitated a lot. They can also revitalize commercial
areas and make cities more livable. However, the effectiveness of BRT systems can vary
depending on the specific conditions of the concerned cities such as social behaviors towards
public transport, law and order situation, weather conditions and distance of the stations from
the feeder areas
Another factor of parking facilities can also be added. For example, BRT systems are more
likely to be successful in cities with a high demand for public transportation and a supportive
political environment.
Overall, the research on BRT systems suggests that they can be a valuable means of improving
urban transportation and livability. However, more research is needed to understand the full
potential of BRT systems and to identify the best practices for implementing them.Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT) systems operate on dedicated lanes, which allows them to run frequently and
quickly. This makes them a more sustainable and efficient form of public transportation than
traditional buses or cars.
BRT systems have been shown to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas
emissions. They also promote physical activity and safety. In fact, BRT systems are ten times
safer per kilometer than traveling by car.
BRT systems are more cost-effective than rail transit systems, but they still require significant
capital investment. However, the social benefits of BRT systems, such as increased social
inclusion and reduced traffic congestion, often justify the investment.
Here are some specific examples of the benefits of BRT systems:

11. 11
 Reduced traffic congestion: BRT systems can reduce traffic congestion by providing a
dedicated lane for buses, which prevents them from getting stuck in traffic. This can
lead to shorter travel times for both BRT riders and drivers of other vehicles.
 Reduced air pollution: BRT systems can reduce air pollution by replacing smaller, less
fuel-efficient vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles, with larger, more fuel-efficient
buses. This can lead to cleaner air and improved public health.
 Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: BRT systems can also reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by replacing smaller, less fuel-efficient vehicles with larger, more fuel-
efficient buses. This can help to mitigate climate change.
 Promoted physical activity: BRT systems can promote physical activity by encouraging
people to walk or bike to BRT stations. This can help to improve public health and
reduce obesity rates.
 Increased safety: BRT systems can increase safety by providing dedicated lanes for
buses, which prevents them from getting stuck in traffic and makes it easier for drivers
to see them. BRT systems can also be equipped with safety features such as cameras
and alarms, which can help to deter crime and accidents.
Overall, BRT systems offer a number of social, economic, and environmental benefits. They
are a more sustainable and efficient form of public transportation than traditional buses or cars,
and they can help to improve the quality of life in urban areas.
This paper will try to cover the following questions:
Q 1. Does Lahore BRT save money?
Q 2. Does Lahore BRT save time?
Q 3. Does BRT save the miles traveled by the passengers?
Q 4. Are the passengers attracted towards the Lahore BRT?
Q 5. Is there any positive social impact due to the BRT?

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Q 6. Are the private car and bike owners attracted towards the BRT?
Q 7. Does BRT improve environmental and noise pollution?
Q 8. Does Lahore BRT promote physical activity?
Q 9. Is the introduction of the Lahore BRT an overall positive development?
We used the parameters from the literature (Wan, 2016; Wang Y. W., 2013; Hess, 2009; Katrín,
2017; Maunganidze L. , 2011) to answer these questions and assess how well the Lahore BRT
system performs. As far as we know, only Mansoor et al.(2016) have analyzed the Lahore BRT
so far; they collected public feedback and discussed the positive effects of the Lahore BRT
before and after its implementation. However, they did not quantify the socio-economic and
environmental benefits such as saving travel time and vehicle costs, reducing vehicle distance
traveled and environmental emissions.
Data and Research Methodology
Our study is based on the questionnaire-based survey made by a team of three people led by
Ambreen Jameel. Other two members were Ibtisam Butt and Shamaila Gull for their paper AN
APPRAISAL OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF METRO
BRT ON
SURROUNDING COMMERCIALACTIVITIES IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN
published in the journal of Punjab University Lahore July Sep 2021 edition.
Moreover, I conducted interviews of shopkeepers near PNI Filling and Gas Station on 03-07-
2023.
Study Area
This research chose Lahore city as the study area, situated between the coordinates 31°15′—
31°45′ N latitudes and 74°01′—74°39′ E longitudes. Lahore is the second most populous urban
center of Pakistan with 11.13 million people (GOP, 2017) and the provincial capital of Punjab.
As the largest city of Punjab and the second biggest urban and business hub of the country,
Lahore plays an important role in the country’s economy, contributing 19% towards the

13. 13
economy of the province. The study focused on BRT Lahore, so the section from Muhammadan
Anglo-Oriental (M.A.O.) College station to Kalma Chowk station was selected as the sample
area for our research.
Data Collection and Analysis
The main objective of this study was to examine the socio-economic and environmental
effects of BRT on the nearby commercial activities, especially the wholesale and retail
businesses along the route. To achieve this, primary data was gathered from the shopkeepers
of the shops located along the BRT route. A field survey was conducted between June and
September 2017 and structured questionnaires were administered to the shopkeepers through
personal interview method. 364 shops along various stops of the BRT route were chosen by
using simple random sampling technique.
Sr. No Station Frequency
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
M.A.O
Janazgah
Qurtaba Chowk
Shama Chowk
Ichra Station
Canal Station
Qaddafi Stadium
Kalma Chowk
32
53
62
48
76
65
14
14
Total 364
Source; Ambreen Jameel Team Survey (2017)
The questionnaire consisted of three sections and 20 questions about the shops, the negative
and positive socio-economic impacts of the BRT development on business and trade in the
study area. The shopkeepers interviewed during the field survey were male, with 40% in the
25-35 age group and 50% graduates. The collected data was organized and tabulated using
Microsoft Excel 365 and displayed in graphs. The geographical locations of the surveyed shops
were collected using the GPS device camera app on an LG Stylus2 Duel and attached to the
shape file.

14. 14
The shape files of the study area were acquired from Google Earth Pro 7.3 and imported into
ArcGIS 10.1. The GPS points were then taken through ArcGIS 10.1. A base map of the study
area was prepared and used to create spatial maps of the different positive and negative impacts
of BRT on commercial activity along the route, in accordance with the research objectives.
Here are some specific examples of the positive and negative impacts of BRT on commercial
activity:
 Positive impacts:
o Increased foot traffic and sales
o Improved overall market outlook
o Reduced pollution
o Improved drainage and sewerage conditions
 Negative impacts:
o Increased traffic congestion
o Reduced parking
o Noise pollution

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Variables n (%)
Negative Impacts
Reduced shop size
Descended the level of shop
Spoiled face value of shop
Reduced commercial land values
Reduced shop accessibility
Civic facilities got affected
Removal of parking facility
Spoiled drainage and sewerage
Decline in annual sales
Reduced rate of profit
Reduced numbers of customers
Increase in traffic congestion
56 (15.4)
69 (19.0)
79 (21.7)
83 (22.8)
52 (14.3)
111 (30.5)
136 (37.4)
99 (27.2)
59 (16.2)
32 (8.8)
24 (6.6)
44 (12.1)
Positive Impacts
Improved parking
Proper public lights
Reduced traffic jam
Improved green spaces
Improved drainage
Improved market outlook
Improved pedestrian movement
Garbage control
169 (46.4)
340 (93.4)
79 (21.7)
356 (97.8)
187 (51.4)
145 (39.8)
17 (4.7)
310 (85.2)

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Source; Ambreen Jameel Team Survey (2017)
According to Table 2, the most common problem faced by shopkeepers due to the BRT
development was the removal of parking facilities.About 37.4% of shopkeepers confirmed that
they had suffered due to the demolition of parking spaces caused by the BRT project. The
second most common problem was the disruption of civic amenities, such as electricity, water,
gas, and telephone lines, which was mentioned by 30.5% of shopkeepers. The third major
negative impact was deterioration of drainage and sewage systems, which was complained by
27.2% of shopkeepers. The construction of the BRT had affected the drainage lines and the
ground level of certain markets, which resulted in poor drainage, especially during the rainy
season.
Here is a more detailed explanation of the three most common problems faced by shopkeepers
due to the BRT development:
 Removal of parking facilities: The construction of the BRT system required the removal
of parking spaces in some areas. This caused problems for shopkeepers who relied on
parking to attract customers.
 Disruption of civic facilities: The construction of the BRT system also disrupted civic
facilities, such as electricity, water, gas, and telephone lines. This caused problems for
shopkeepers who relied on these services to operate their businesses.
 Poor drainage and sewage problems: The construction of the BRT system also affected
the drainage and sewage systems in some areas. This caused problems for shopkeepers
who were dealing with flooding and sewage backups.
The overall impact of the BRT development on shopkeepers was negative. However, the
specific impacts varied depending on the location of the shopkeeper's business(Fig 3).
Reduced environmental pollution
Controlled Encroachment control
Enhanced market connectivity
Development of new projects and markets
340 (93.4)
64 (17.6)
54 (14.8)
42 (11.5)

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(Negative Impacts of BRT developments on commercial activities of shops along the BRT.)
Source; Ambreen Jameel Team Survey (2017)
It was observed that the development of the BRT did not have a significant negative impact on
commercial activity in financial terms. Only 16.2% of shopkeepers reported a decline in annual
sales, 8.8% reported reduced profits, and 6.6% reported a reduced number of customers. In
general, the Metro bus project did not have any significant adverse impacts on commercial and
business activities in the wholesale and retail sectors along the route.
Here is a more detailed explanation of the findings:
 Decline in annual sales: Only 59 of the shopkeepers surveyed (16.2%) reported a
decline in annual sales. This suggests that the BRT project did not have a significant
impact on the overall economic activity in the study area.
 Reduced profits: Only 32 of the shopkeepers surveyed (8.8%) reported reduced profits.
This suggests that the BRT project did not have a significant impact on the profitability
of businesses in the study area.
 Reduced number of customers: Only 24 of the shopkeepers surveyed (6.6%) reported a
reduced number of customers. This suggests that the BRT project did not have a
significant impact on the number of customers visiting businesses in the study area.

18. 18
Positive Effects.
Figure 5 below shows that there were several positive impacts tool.
On the other hand, the development of the BRT project had many positive impacts on its
surrounding commercial activity in environmental and socio-economic terms. According to
356 of the shopkeepers surveyed (97.8%), the development of the BRT resulted in the
improvement of green spaces. 340 shopkeepers (93.4%) believed that the development of the
BRT helped to reduce environmental pollution. Similarly, 310 shopkeepers (85.3%) stated that
the project also helped to control the garbage problem in their vicinity. In addition, the
shopkeepers also believed that the project contributed to the development of new market
projects, the control of encroachment, and improved market connectivity.
Here is a more detailed explanation of the positive impacts of the BRT project:
 Improvement of green spaces: The construction of the BRT required the planting of
trees and the creation of green spaces along the route. This has had a positive impact
on the environment and has made the area more attractive to businesses and customers.
 Reduction of environmental pollution: The BRT system uses cleaner buses than private
cars, which has helped to reduce air pollution in the area. The BRT system also has a
dedicated lane, which helps to reduce traffic congestion and noise pollution.
 Control of garbage problem: The construction of the BRT system has included the
installation of new garbage bins and collection systems. This has helped to reduce the
amount of garbage in the area and has improved the overall cleanliness of the area.
 Development of new market projects: The BRT system has made it easier for people to
travel to and from the area, which has led to the development of new market projects.
This has created new jobs and opportunities for businesses and residents in the area.
 Control of encroachment: The construction of the BRT system has helped to control
the encroachment of footpaths and roads by vendors and other businesses. This has
improved the overall safety and cleanliness of the area.
 Enhanced market connectivity: The BRT system has provided a direct link between
different parts of the city, which has enhanced market connectivity. This has made it

19. 19
easier for people to travel to and from markets, which has boosted economic activity in
the area.
Overall, the development of the BRT project has had a positive impact on the surrounding
commercial activity in environmental and socio-economic terms.
Source; Ambreen Jameel Team Survey (2017)
A map below shows that whereas the construction of BRT resulted in damage to drainage
and elimination of parking space beside demolition of the front parts of the shops accompanied
by falling sales, there were several positive aspects as well.

20. 20
In this map, shops from Janazgah onward to Qartba Chowk and till Shama Chowk were
affected by removal of parking spaces and destruction of facades. And drainage facility was
affected for the shops from Qartba Chowk to Shama Station. This resulted in decline in annual
sales and customer footprints.
But there were positive impacts of the BRT as well. According to this study, 97% of the
shopkeepers admitted that the construction of BRT resulted in development of green spaces,
low congestion of traffic and low noise. Three hundred and forty (340) shopkeepers reported
that they had witnessed a reduced environmental pollution, whereas, 310 stated that they
observed the control over spread of garbage in their area due to the BRT.
Figure below shows the rise of new market projects, a control over encroachments and a
better market connectivity.

21. 21
The above figure shows an improved parking, smooth drainage and an overall better
market outlook along the route of the BRT.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the research paper on the socioeconomic analysis of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
system in Lahore highlights the positive and negative impacts of the Metro BRT on surrounding
commercial activities and the overall social benefits resulting from its operationalization. The
study found that the Metro project has had a number of positive impacts, such as increased foot
traffic and sales, improved market outlook, and environmental improvements like reduced
pollution and improved drainage. However, there were also negative impacts, including traffic
congestion, drainage and sewage problems, and parking issues.
Despite these challenges, the study concludes that the Metro BRT has had an overall positive
impact on the surrounding commercial activities and the socialization habits of commuters. It
emphasizes the need to mitigate the negative aspects of the system to maximize its benefits.
Furthermore, the study suggests that the development of new BRT projects in other cities of
the country would be beneficial for the overall economy and environment. BRT projects have
the potential to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, create jobs, revitalize commercial
areas, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

22. 22
Overall, the research underscores the importance of investing in sustainable urban
transportation systems like BRT to create healthier, more livable, and more sustainable
communities. By addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the benefits of BRT systems,
cities can improve access to jobs, education, and public services while mitigating negative
impacts such as traffic congestion and pollution. It is essential to continue studying and
implementing best practices for BRT systems to fully realize their potential in improving urban
transportation and enhancing the overall quality of life.

23. 23
REFERENCES
Mulley, C., and Tsai, C. H. P. (2016). When and how much does new transport infrastructure
add to property values? Evidence from the bus rapid transit system in Sydney, Australia.
Transport Policy, 51(1), 15-23.
Mansoor,A., Zahid, I. and Shahzad, L. (2016). Evaluation of Social and EnvironmentalAspects
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