Ways to ease traffic flow

Dear Sir,

Qatar’s population has increased immensely over the last decade. The country is developing fast and the government’s key role in this is an inspiration and example to many other countries.

But, as can be expected, the spurt in infrastructure expansion and development work are having an effect on peoples’ everyday lives.  The increasing traffic chaos on Doha’s roads is the most important among them.

The steep increase in the number of vehicles on roads is striking indeed. It is apparent to us the moment we leave our houses and are on the road.

Qatar has some of the best roads (and for that, all credit to our hardworking construction workers). But that has not prevented the now ubiquitous traffic jams and congestion. The Traffic Department is trying its best to control through various means. Imposing restrictions on issuance of new driver’s licences seems to be one. But is that a good move? I have my doubts. Having a  car is  not a luxury, but a necessity in Qatar. 

With the population expansion, the rise in the number of vehicles is inevitable. But imposing restrictions on the issue of new licences is not the right way to tackle the traffic problem.  

Congestion on roads could be eased somewhat by changing and adjusting school and office hours.

It is also clear that people are not making full  use of the public transport service. Public awareness should be increased  to encourage people to use taxis and buses more than they do today.

As has been said: “An advanced city is not a place where the poor move about in cars; rather it’s where even the rich use public transportation”.

 

Amanda Sunny, (e-mail address supplied)

 

Taking a stand against VIP culture

Dear Sir,

The report, “Pakistanis debate VIP culture after lawmakers thrown off plane” (Gulf Times, September 17), made my day.

According to the report, angry airline passengers had forced two lawmakers off a plane for delaying their plane’s departure by almost two hours.

The Monday night Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Karachi to Islamabad was delayed by a technical fault for 90 minutes at first, and then by a further 25 minutes as it waited for two VIPs to arrive.  And when the two finally turned up,  angry passengers asked them to leave.

This was a first for Pakistan: ordinary people raising their voice against the so-called VIP culture.

I think the credit for this must go to Imran Khan whose sit-in in Islamabad since August 14, has influenced people to raise their voice against corrupt politicians who always have enjoyed undue privileges in Pakistan.

This incident has proved that Khan has won the battle against the country’s ailing democracy. He has brought a change in Pakistan. This is a new Pakistan. I am sure this will not be just a sporadic incident. This will be and should be  followed by many more until Pakistan’s VIP culture is eradicated.    

 

Shariq Badar, PO Box 47, Doha

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