Evaluation of social and environmental aspects of lahore metro bus transit through public opinion

Abstract

Metro Bus Transit (MBT) is highly innovative and advanced transportation technology. Due to rapid urbanization in city Lahore, construction of MBT was considered as top priority technology to balance the demand. It was built during 2012 to 2013 from Gajjumata to Shahdara area consisting of 27 stations. The main objective of the study was to evaluate environmental and social impacts of MBT before and after its construction, and willingness to use of people. Study was conducted via interview of 500 respondents during and after the construction of MBT. These respondents were users, contractors, residents and non-residents along the corridors of MBT. Mostly, male users were more frequent due to the higher seats availability to them in bus that caused gender inequality. MBT has influenced the livelihood of many people in a positive way such as it created jobs, as respondents were expecting. Only lower socio-economic respondents shifted their mode of transportation from own vehicles to MBT. Most of the respondents mentioned the time efficiency of the MBT helped them reach their destinations earlier than riding a conventional bus service. It has reduced traffic congestion, air pollution, noise pollution, and road accidents to some extent. Majority of the respondents also showed willingness toward the improvements in other projects such as electricity supply, education, healthcare facility and other basic needs. Respondents expressed high willingness to use MBT rather than the conventional public transport and satisfied from its impacts. However, more amendments and improvements should be proposed for enhancing the efficiency of Metro Bus Transit.