The PTI government at last inaugurated the BRT Peshawar project a day before Independence Day. The next couple of days were marred by mismanagement and several incidents of misconduct which makes one realise whether we deserve modern facilities.
Mass transit systems around the world are crowded and packed with people. Around five million people use the London Tube every day, and similar around commute on metros in Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo or Bangkok. It is welcoming that Peshawar, a city that has been a victim of terrorism, has a metro bus system for public transportation but the behaviour of commuters is high condemnable.
Large crowds thronged the metro stations damaging public property. Many attempted to ride without buying tickets and jumped over the automated gates to get inside. Some even damaged buses, tearing apart seat covers, and attempted to climb the roof. All this has been happened within just two days since the project has been launched.
Another incident happened on the eve of Independence Day when revellers attempted to enter the metro station and when stopped, they thrashed two security guards. These men were performing their duties but were attacked and humiliated. The police has taken action and arrested them while efforts are being made to trace those responsible for the incident.
The government has been forced to deploy police at the entrance of metro stations and even inside near the automated gates. This presence of a law enforcer might prompt others to behave in a more organized manner. It seems that we only learn a lesson when strict action is taken against us.
Similar incidents were also witnessed when the Lahore metro bus was inaugurated and then the situation was more settled. Cities lack entertainment and venues for public recreation and even modern infrastructure and transportation is seen as an attraction. This doesn’t imply that we should damage public property.
Projects like the BRT Peshawar have been launched after years of delays and billions have been spent. This has been for our benefit and to improve the standard of living and help commute to work and around the city. It is our shared responsibility to protect it from misuse and damage and we must act as responsible citizens.
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