The "tuk-tuk" has entered our daily lives since the onset of the severe economic crisis, transforming into our companion on the roads after previously being the star of Indian films and series. This vehicle has flooded Lebanese regions and has become a saving alternative for a wide segment of Lebanese seeking alternatives to conventional transport methods with the exorbitant rise in fuel prices.
But is this new arrival a source of safety in our travels? Are Lebanon's roads suitable for this type of transport? The functions that "tuk-tuks" perform have exceeded merely being individual transport; they have become "taxis," and more alarmingly, "school buses" under unsafe public safety conditions.
Traffic safety expert Kamel Ibrahim justified this new phenomenon by stating that "after the price of gasoline increased and the cost of travel rose, Lebanese people sought alternative transport methods, with some adopting 'tuk-tuk' as a means of transport and as a 'taxi' to transport citizens for a fee," adding, "this is where the great danger lies." Ibrahim noted in an interview with MTV that "according to Lebanese law, transport for a fee must be public, and 'tuk-tuks' are certainly not registered as public vehicles. The more dangerous aspect is the absence of a regulatory framework for this sector; 'tuk-tuks' are usually found in densely populated cities with low-speed roads that do not pose a danger to the lives of those they transport. However, traveling on a 'tuk-tuk' on high-speed roads, like highways or the Dahar Al-Bidar road, for example, is very dangerous and illogical, especially with the approaching winter and severe weather conditions."
Ibrahim warned that the mixing of various modes of transport, including large vehicles and high speeds, poses a significant danger. Therefore, any accident involving a "tuk-tuk" on such roads would be fatal and endanger its passengers. He pointed out that "tuk-tuks" are now even used as a means of transporting students in some areas.
Ibrahim cautioned against the continued chaos in this particular sector and the lack of regulation by the Ministry of Interior, whether through vehicle registration or specifying the areas where they are allowed to operate. He argued that "this matter is linked to the enforcement of traffic laws," raising several questions: "Is it permissible for a tuk-tuk to transport people? Is it allowed to charge a fee for this service?" He emphasized that these issues carry high risks, and the problem will grow over time.
Regarding potential solutions, Ibrahim placed the issue before the Ministry of Interior, which is responsible for making appropriate decisions and regulating this sector to prevent chaos, lest we face bigger issues that will cost the public. He also addressed the topic of insurance and the stance of insurance companies in case of any accidents involving tuk-tuks.
While Lebanese people have turned to this alternative and inexpensive mode of transport to escape the high fuel prices, it does not imply that it is suitable for all their travels and in all areas. A "tuk-tuk" is not always a blessing and "affordable," and sometimes the price can be much higher when public safety is compromised.
