Official Development Assistance (ODA)

"Sakura Buses" Enhance Women’s Mobility in Pakistan

October 18, 2019

For the first time in Pakistan “Women Bus Service” has been introduced in Mardan and Abbottabad of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province to provide transport service for women and children under the age of 12.

The routes and several bus stops for
“Sakura Buses” were newly constructed in the city. Photos
provided by (c) UNOPS

14 buses with eye-catching cherry blossoms (Sakura) painted on the exterior were granted by the Government of Japan to KP province as an ODA project in collaboration with UNOPS. Sakura is the symbol flower of Japan.

Women in the KP province were hitherto reluctant to use public transportation. By offering a safe alternative, it is expected that the “Sakura Buses” will encourage more brave women to attend school and/or work, thereby leading to women’s empowerment in the society as a whole.

There are security cameras installed inside the buses.
(Photos provided by (c) UNOPS)

Thank you message from the women
using the service of “Sakura Bus”.
(Photos provided by (c) UNOPS)