Student bus service cancellations
Dear Sir,
Qatar University has abruptly decided to suspend several lines from its student bus service, leaving these students scrambling to find an alternative mode of transportation in the middle of the school year.
While almost all experts in Qatar have been pushing for increased utilisation of mass transport to tackle the growing issue of traffic jams and Qatar’s high carbon footprint, it is surprising that the leading university in Qatar, one that has been partnering with several companies and research institutions to address the global warming issue, decides to forgo its mass transport bus service, and require some of its students to increase, rather than decrease, their carbon footprint.
It is understandable that institutions might be required to adjust their budget spending in the wake of the 40% drop in oil revenues. But, adjusting budgets does not mean to cut good services, it can rather be done by increasing revenues (e.g. increase the bus service fees that the students pay). Or, suspend services that are not necessary and would not harm the environment and cause more pressure on the roads and the country’s infrastructure.
At the same time, the decision making in such cases should involve the main stakeholders of the university (the students), the students’ representing bodies and the parent of the students. This is a great opportunity to push the students, who are the leaders of Qatar 2030, to find innovative solutions in Qatar 2015, and have them participate in public decision making.
Or at least give the students a good time to plan, like the start of next academic year, instead of slapping an ad hoc decision mid-year on them.
I hope that Qatar University leadership and the media will take this opportunity to engage both the students and decision makers for a more optimal solution.
AW
(Full name and address supplied)
