In light of the stifling economic crisis the country is going through, lifting subsidies of fuel has dealt a blow to the land transport sector.

The passengers and drivers are battling to face their fate amid the complete absence of a state that continues to ignore the public transport sector, which is supposed to provide low-cost transportation for citizens.

In an interview with Sawt Beirut International, the Head of the Land Transport Sector Federations and Unions Bassam Tlais said there is a delay in approving an integrated and serious plan that serves citizens and taxi drivers, as the government refuses to implement any plan presented to improve the situation. It also fails to allocate funds for investment in the transport sector, which constitutes only 5% of the market size.”

Tlais added: “The public transport is suffering, as there is a huge shortage in the number of taxis and vehicles on the roads. The taxi tariff has reached 70,000 LBP for a single transfer (service), knowing that it is still officially much less.

Tlais stressed that what is required is the approval of a quick plan. “We hope for partial subsidies on gasoline, which the government promised at the beginning of December for the public transport sector. If this step is not taken, there is a tendency for an escalation that has not been witnessed before.”