Every commuter feels the need for better public transport in Lahore. The buses in use are mostly overloaded and provide a suffocating atmosphere invariably. On the other hand, fares are getting out of common man’s reach by the day. It is time for the authorities concerned to take immediate steps.
The government should, in the first place, import enough number of buses for the city transport. In view of plausible financial constraints, the possibility of converting old trucks into buses may be considered. Similarly, more private companies should be encouraged to enter the business, while the transport authorities should lay out a proper mechanism to set fares, with an option of periodical adjustments to avert daily surprises to the travellers. The transporters caught loading buses beyond capacity should be fined heavily to discourage the practice and to promote public dignity.
M WAQAS KHAN
Lahore
