As a university student in Lahore, I applauded the government’s effort like the Orange Line train and some recent announcements regarding free or subsidised student travel on the metro and speedo buses. These are positive steps toward affordability. However the reality for the majority of students who rely on local transport is different.
When local bus routes are infrequent, especially during evenings and weekends, students face a critical barrier at that time. In that case, students are forced to spend limited funds on expensive ride shares, adding to their financial stress and academic burden. Furthermore, poor transit reliability leads to missed classes, lost wages from part-time jobs and unnecessary mental stress. Under the circumstances, a large community is pushed towards use of private vehicles, adding to traffic congestion and thus air pollution.
The local transit authority of Lahore or city council should recognise students as primary stakeholders. We, the students, should get immediate government commitment to: increase in frequency on feeder routes; extension in operating hours into the late evening; and issuance of affordable comprehensive student passes.
A safe, predictable and working public transit network is the foundation of a thriving student community and flourishing city economy. Let’s make the necessary investments now.
Rida Mukhtar
Lahore
