Before 2019, Lebanon faced a traffic crisis, and in 2020 a gasoline and fuel crisis. In reality, these reflected a broader transport crisis. This became clear after the lifting of fuel subsidies and the rise in transportation costs by more than 500% according to the Central Administration of Statistics. With costs so high, mobility shifted. Only essential trips are made, carpooling is preferred, and many employees, especially in the public sector, can no longer afford commuting as their salaries do not cover expenses.
At the same time, the cost of private car ownership pushed people toward alternatives such as bicycles, tuk-tuks, public transport, and walking. In this way, the car-dominated mobility pyramid began to reverse. Public transport in Lebanon remains largely unregulated, with about 33,500 cab cars, 3,500 medium-sized buses, and 4,000 minibuses, plus many informal vehicles covering demand, especially in remote areas. In contrast, the government operates about 45 outdated buses, known as “Jahsh El Dawle”, along with 50 newly acquired French buses managed by the Railway and Public Transportation Authority. These French buses are the first inclusive vehicles for people with disabilities. They provide greater mobility opportunities and promote a culture of accessibility in public spaces.
Building on this history of neglect and crisis, Lebanon is now entering a new era of mobility. The ACTC PT smart app puts real-time tracking and route planning in the hands of passengers. It was launched by Director General of Public Transport and Railways Ziad Chaya, under the patronage of Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, and developed with Ahdab Commuting and Trading Company. The app uses AI and GPS technologies to improve efficiency and accessibility. It provides live bus tracking, routes, nearest stops, alerts, schedules, and ticket prices in both Arabic and English. Together with the 50 French buses, this marks the beginning of reform. It reduces traffic, lowers pollution, and improves the passenger experience.
IndyACT has always believed that public transport is essential for a sustainable and fair future. This milestone shows that change is possible when vision and action come together. Lebanon must now shift from car dependency to mobility policies based on equality, justice, and access for all. Mobility justice means prioritizing people over cars, ensuring safe roads, expanding public transport, and supporting bicycle infrastructure. The car should be the last option in the mobility pyramid. Finally, decentralized policies must guarantee equal opportunities for women, people with disabilities, refugees, workers, and migrants, while also integrating and supporting the informal transport sector in future projects.
References:
[1] https://www.salamwakalam.com/articles/636/inequality-of-mobility-in-the-transport-system-in/en
