Revitalising public transport in Lebanon - a matter of urgency: steps that are being undertaken towards making it a reality (Part 1 of 2)

摘要

Lebanon used to have one of the most advanced public transport systems in the Middle East, embracing efficient bus, tram and train services. Unfortunately, however, fraternal infighting that ripped through the material and social fabric of the country during the civil war (1975-1990) also laid waste to its sophisticated public transport network. Revitalising public transport in Lebanon is very much on the agenda, and several steps are being taken towards making it a reality. Part 1 of this article looks at how, with assistance from the World Bank, the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the United Nations' Development Programme (UNDP), it is endeavoured to make progress in this direction. In doing so, it will also show that revitalising public transport in Lebanon is no mean feat, but requires the undertaking of a number of complex steps, all aimed at enhancing mobility in this country.