A PROPER and functional mass transit system is needed in every country. Sadly, all cities in Pakistan lack this much-needed facility. Imagine living in a Pakistan where buses are in good condition, with comfortable seats and fewer people standing. Unfortunately, this dream has not yet been fulfilled. This system has many advantages like diminishing of road congestion and saving of fuel. It can be agreed that Pakistan has an unpleasant traffic situation.

The unclogging of blocked roads would only occur when a significant number of vehicles are removed from the road, which is only possible when you provide commuters with a viable transport option. But this public transport has to be affordable and accessible to all population groups and especially to those who do not have any cars or individual motorised vehicles.

Cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad also continue to expand. This increases the daily demands of the public. Rather than depending on highways and major roads, the cities depend on their street system for transportation, usually by using private transportation.

This overcrowding can again be fixed by bringing in a proper mass transit system. Even the buses already present are not in good condition, neither efficient. The government needs to run their management and take out some money for the betterment of the public rather than spend the money on useless events.

Those in power need to wake up to the reality and take steps to make their country a better place and fulfil the needs of the public.

Lala Rukh Naeem

Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2014