Feature: Urgent need for long-lasting solutions

Authorities launched an attack on ‘cargo,’ or luggage vans hitherto transformed into commuter buses and other non-conforming ‘bush’ taxis or ‘opep’ that operate in Yaounde, May 11, 2015.

The decision by the administrative authorities in the capital city is a sequel to a similar move by officials in Douala last year banning the use of ‘cargos’ in public transport. Considering the lack in the public transport system in Cameroon’s major towns these days, there is no gainsaying the safety of commuters have been compromised by motorists and vehicle owners.

While several other attempts have been made in the past to bring stakeholders of the public transport system – especially in towns and cities – to order, the problem seems to linger.

The situation has become even more serious over the years, with the growing number of urban dwellers. For now, the lone mass transit bus company in Yaounde, ‘Le Bus,’ is as good as dead. From the few dozen brand new and fairly used buses of some years ago, the company is today a shadow of its hey days.

Almost all the vehicles have broken down without any visible efforts to replace them. Moreover, only a little fraction of the areas hitherto covered by ‘Le Bus’ today ‘enjoy’ such services from the few rickety buses still plying the routes of Yaounde.

Only a few years back, the newspapers were awash with news of a tramway project for Yaounde. The Yaounde City Council authorities had also hinted at the idea of launching a mass transit company; which is still to see the light of day.

As the problem persists, it is important to look well beyond today’s measures. In the first place, the streets are narrow and few, thus there is the need to make the best possible use of them in the meantime.

It must be admitted that regular taxis, no matter the number, cannot satisfy the growing needs of urban transport in our major cities. Not even the commuter buses can do the trick for long.

There is therefore, an urgent need for the authorities to begin thinking of a robust and lasting solution to the situation like the introduction of true urban mass transit systems by bigger, more resistant buses, light rail and tramway services. The earlier this is done the better for everyone.