Time was when a tram service was operative in Karachi which was quick and whose service was availed by a preponderant majority of Karachites. It was poor man’s transport connecting almost all localities of Karachi. Its fare was nominal which pockets of the working class could easily afford. What a pity that it was wound up in mid seventies without any cogent rhyme and reason. Insiders accuse the bus transport mafia for its closure.
Public transport at a fare which is affordable isn’t available to the common man in big cities of the country. While the monied class owning their private vehicles have nothing to worry about on this score the commoners are fleeced by private taxi and rickshaw owners who charged them at their will.
Seen in this context the decision of Panjab government to introduce tram service in Lahore is a step in the right direction. The other provinces too should take a leaf out of Panjab’s book and undertake similar transport projects in their bailiwicks.
Needless to add that time has come when those moving in the corridors of power should carry out people friendly developmental projects instead of undertaking those which benefit a selected few.
