Easing traffic woes

One of the most common problems one faces in Karachi is getting caught in traffic jams. Daily commuting on the roads of the city is becoming more gruelling by the day, reflecting the failure of public transportation infrastructure to keep pace with the growing population.

Traffic congestion is one of the most dreaded features the city has been experiencing for many years. With the number of cars increasing with each passing day, traffic chaos at major thoroughfares has become a routine which adds to the misery of the commuters. Karachi is not the only city that is plagued with traffic problems.

Other cities in Pakistan also bear the brunt of this menace. Everyone complains about being stuck in traffic, but no one does anything about it. Traffic engineers, transportation planners, and the traffic police responsible for metropolitan transportation systems are frequently criticised for failing to make a dent in congestion. The reasons for congestion are simple. It occurs when a road is used by more vehicles than it is designed to facilitate.

This can occur when vehicles cannot exit quickly enough to make way for others. Another reason is that people lack patience and traffic sense. Everyone seems to be in a hurry. Some drivers position their vehicles in the middle of fast-moving traffic just to get on the other side of the artery. They not only risk their lives but the lives of others too. Haphazard parking also contributes to traffic woes. Most drivers park their vehicles in a way that it obstructs traffic.

One other major cause is that roads in Karachi are characterised by mixed traffic, which includes personal vehicles, buses, trucks, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, including animal-driven carts and pedestrians. In addition, there is inadequate public transport in the metropolis. The transport system hasn't been able to keep pace with the growing population, as a result of which more and more people use their own vehicles. Last but not the least, frequent VIP movements also hinder traffic flow. Traffic congestion is a growing problem and it increases travel time, air pollution, carbon dioxide emissions and fuel use. Some people point to the growth of traffic congestion as evidence of the need for more infrastructure spending.

However, there are ways to manage traffic, particularly at times of peak demand that are relatively inexpensive. The problem can be addressed by designing a well-maintained and well-developed public transport system.

Designing separate lanes for buses and two-wheelers can help a great deal in overcoming this menace. Promoting traffic safety and traffic rules through education, advertising and strict enforcement can also prove fruitful.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th,  2016.