The transportation sector is witnessing unprecedented chaos, with a sense of each entity acting independently. Despite a decision issued by Minister of Public Works in the caretaker government, Ali Hamiyeh, following a broad meeting with representatives from the public sector and unions, which concluded with setting the service fare at 150,000 L.L. due to a notable decrease in fuel prices, most drivers did not adhere to this fare and considered themselves above any official decision.
In terms of fare preference, Bassam Talies, President of the Federations and Unions of the Ground Transportation Sector, emphasizes that between having a fare and not having one, the best option is definitely to have a fare, so that citizens are aware of the fair amount they should pay, and public transport drivers know the fare they should set.
Talies clarifies in an interview with "Nidaa Al-Watan" that this is not the first time an official fare has been set. This fare was established after five years of interruption, following a significant financial, economic, and social upheaval in the country, thus it is normal to adjust the fare. He confirms that the new fare was set based on a study and was not issued randomly. The fare determined by the General Directorate of Land and Maritime Transport is precise as it is based on a study that includes 17 elements, indicating that the fair fare is 143,000 L.L., which was rounded to 150,000 L.L.
Talies points out that they confirmed during the meeting and in the media that this fare is not fixed, and the minister himself stated that the fare is adjustable in case an error is found. However, this does not imply that the fare is incorrect or should reach 200,000 L.L., and that any driver can set prices as they wish without adhering to the official rate.
He adds that all previous fares were issued based on the same standards and studies used this year. Drivers must calm down, and we need to be compassionate towards ourselves and the passengers, who are workers, students, and others.
Admitting that the tables contain some somewhat unfair errors regarding distances, Talies assures that he is working to collect all reported errors to discuss them with the minister, after which an appendix to the tables will be issued for corrections. He stresses that it is unreasonable to ask the Minister of Interior and the Internal Security Forces, as well as traffic patrols, to enforce the law in stopping violations against the private sector by counterfeiters and tuk-tuks, as the response will occur when the fare is applied and, in return, the law will be enforced. Hence, the importance of drivers complying with the law comes to protect themselves from counterfeiters and the private sector.
Talies calls on citizens not to engage with vehicles that do not adhere to the fare and charge more than 150,000 L.L., especially since the public transport sector consists of 54,000 vehicles, indicating that alternatives exist. Non-compliant drivers harm themselves and expose their interests to fines, noting that the compliance rate in various regions exceeds 90%.
To conclude, Talies expresses hope that all drivers will demonstrate their adherence to the law so that they can have a strong argument to demand action against violations and encroachments in the sector, according to "Nidaa Al-Watan."
