Roadside boarding by buses causes severe traffic congestion in Multan

MULTAN: The practice of buses and vans picking up and dropping off passengers at unauthorized locations has led to significant traffic congestion across Multan, according to a recent report.

The Express Tribune reported that public transport vehicles frequently stop along main roads to allow passengers to board and disembark, causing bottlenecks and impeding the flow of traffic. This issue is particularly acute during peak hours, with long queues of vehicles forming behind stationary buses and vans.

Drivers often ignore designated stops and instead halt wherever passengers signal, including busy intersections and narrow stretches of road. This behavior not only disrupts traffic but also poses safety risks for both passengers and other road users.

Residents and commuters have expressed frustration over the situation, noting that the lack of enforcement by traffic authorities has allowed the problem to persist. Some have called for stricter regulation and penalties for drivers who violate traffic rules.

The report highlights that the ongoing traffic jams have led to delays for office workers, students, and emergency vehicles. Shopkeepers and business owners in affected areas have also complained about the negative impact on their operations, as customers face difficulty accessing their premises due to blocked roads.

Efforts to address the issue have so far yielded limited results, as per the report. While there are designated bus stops in the city, the lack of adherence to these locations by public transport operators remains a major challenge.

The report underscores the need for coordinated action by traffic police and local authorities to ensure that buses and vans use only authorized stops, and to implement measures that can ease congestion and improve road safety in Multan.