By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 12 August 2014:
In one of its last acts, Tripoli Local Council — soon to be replaced by . . .[restrict]the recently elected Tripoli Municipal Council — has made an agreement with the General Public Rapid Transport Company to offer a free public bus service for Tripoli residents. The service is a response to the petrol crisis in the city which has meant that many people cannot get to work.
The service, which started yesterday, covers the different districts of Tripoli with four lines and five coaches. Each line runs from Mahari Square by the Bourguiba Mosque to its terminus and then back the way it came.
The first line—upon which will run two buses—passes by Tripoli University and the Fornaj roundabout, and continues until the Heart Hospital of Tajura.
The second line passes by Martyrs Square and Mitiga Air Base, and also makes its final stop at the Heart Hospital of Tajoura.
The third line runs to along the seafront at the harbour, across the bridge by the Waddan Hotel and then to Al-Sikka Road, through Sidi Mesri, Fornaj to Ain Zara and the Ghargheni Mosque.
The fourth line passes by Gurji Road, then through the Ghiran district and stops at the Post Graduate Academy in Janzour.
The buses are scheduled to run from 8 am to 5 pm, seven days per week.
One bus, on Route 4 was seen today, but it was empty, which is not altogether surprising since the service was only unveiled just before it started. Most Tripoli residents are still unaware of it. There is also security to worry about. “People don’t feel comfortable going to work in present circumstances, whether by car or by bus,” commented one resident.
It will probably be a while of the service gets fully off the ground.
It also remains to be seen if it will continue once the present cries is over, but it could become the basis of a proper municipal transport service – something most observers agree Tripoli sorely needs. [/restrict]
