From chaos to clarity: Pointr paves way for hassle-free bus travel in Karachi

As an occasional commuter living in Karachi and facing the confusion and unpredictability of navigating local buses, Sohaib Baig, 19, was once among those troubled by the chaotic public transport system in the metropolis — one of the largest cities in the world by population. This experience fuelled his inclination to develop an app to address the challenge.

Unlike platforms or apps that provide details about a specific bus suited for reaching a particular destination via a certain route, Karachi’s buses present a ubiquitous maze for commuters. The bustling streets of the city teem with myriad options for public transport, including bus rapid transits (BRTs), local buses and Qinqgi rickshaws.

Frequent commuters relying on public transport often seek an escape from the hassle of catching the right bus. Had there been Pointr — an app designed to simplify this process — they could have avoided the struggle of securing a seat on the bus best suited to their route and destination.

"Navigating Karachi's bus system felt like solving a maze, so I thought a tool to simplify this process could greatly benefit regular commuters," Baig reflected on the days before Pointr’s development.

Expertise in mapping, app development, and web development was essential to bring the idea to reality. Sohaib possessed all these skills — except for data for mapping — and took it upon himself to create a mobile app to enhance the commuting experience for millions.

Connecting the dots

"Mapping, an essential aspect of Pointr's development, was quite a hassle to commit myself to," Baig told Gadinsider, recounting the development process. Lacking this key component, he luckily met Zaineb Makati, the Dean's Fellow and lecturer at Habib University, who played a pivotal role in Pointr’s success.

As a lecturer at one of Karachi’s renowned universities, Makati introduced a Geographic Information System (GIS) course at Habib University.

"The course outline included topics such as mapping and cartography — the art and craft of visually depicting a geographical region," Makati told Gadinsider.

She proudly noted that her first batch of GIS students performed exceptionally. "My students mapped out key routes and local buses crisscrossing Karachi, a notable feat from my GIS course," she disclosed.

According to Baig, the app’s development hinged on Makati’s provision of spatial data, which connected the geographical dots. He integrated this spatial data into Pointr, ensuring the app offered pre-existing routes.

Key features

Pointr’s prime feature is its ability to take user input for the starting point (Point A) and destination (Point B), subsequently calculating and presenting the best four bus routes for the journey.

"Its route suggestions are presented visually through a drawing on the map, helping users grasp their journey at a glance. This intuitive design eliminates confusion and allows even first-time users to navigate the chaotic web of Karachi’s transport system," Baig shared.

Transforming Karachi’s commuting landscape

"End users can even customise map routes in Pointr to add their own, especially if a new bus network, like the green bus or minibuses cruising Karachi's streets, is launched," shared Baig.

This personalisation also allows users to discover convenient bus combinations or shortcuts during their commute and input them into the app. Such custom routes can be made public and shared with other users via a link.

While acknowledging the possibility of diminished socialisation — where citizens ask passersby for bus directions — he emphasised: "Pointr will instil a sense of independence in occasional bus travellers like me by enabling them to figure out which bus to catch for which destination."

For years, Pakistan lacked a platform offering real-time tracking and accessible information about local public transport. Pointr bridges this gap with its intuitive design and cutting-edge technology, providing frustrated commuters with a user-friendly experience.

With Pointr, no more waiting on roadsides, uncertain about the next bus to take. Instead, commuters can plan their trips with precision and peace of mind.

Infograph by Afreen Mirza