The new public transport buses were vandalized between Dora and Karantina just one day after their inauguration on July 10.
The incident caused swift responses from government officials and condemnation from consumer protection groups.
The Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Bassam Mawlawi, directed the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces on Friday to investigate the attack. He emphasized the need for “immediate actions to address the assault on passengers and threats to drivers.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamiye expressed outrage over the incident.
In a statement on X, he highlighted the significance of the buses in enhancing public transport infrastructure and criticized the perpetrators, stating, “What happened in Dora is unacceptable. Citizens should be able to travel safely under state protection without fear.”
Hamiye had recently launched a comprehensive plan to introduce 96 new public transport buses in Beirut, aiming to expand services nationwide by September. These buses, operated through a partnership model with the private sector, are equipped with advanced safety features, including cameras and GPS tracking. Only eight buses are currently operational.
“This initiative represents a concrete partnership between the public and private sectors,” affirmed Hamiye. “The state supervises while the private sector operates the buses, ensuring efficient service delivery to the public.”
هذا الذي جرى مع الحافلة في منطقة الدورة ، وهكذا نفهمه ، وهو بمثابة إخبار ، فكل ما حصل فيها قد سجلته الكاميرات :
وكأن المواطن ممنوع عليه بأن يعيش في كنف الدولة ، ليستفيد بالنذر اليسير مما يمكنها تقديمه له !!! ، وذلك بقرار من بعض ” القبضايات ” الذين نصبوا أنفسهم ” حكّام الطرق “… pic.twitter.com/hBigw65naW— Ali Hamie | علي حمية (@alihamie_lb) July 12, 2024
