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Lebanon’s Buses are Back! (And Yes, They Have AC)
Exciting news for commuters in Lebanon! The long-awaited return of public buses is here, and they’re better than ever. With 96 brand new buses hitting the roads, this initiative is set to transform public transportation. These buses will start running in Beirut as a first phase and will be operating across the entire country before September.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, this initiative showcases a successful public-private partnership. The Lebanese government will oversee and regulate the service, while private companies will handle day-to-day operations.
Ticketing and Prices
There are two types of tickets: a single-use pass and a prepaid card that can be loaded with credit at one of Lebanon’s (many) money transfer offices. Both can be purchased at bus stops, which are currently being finalized. In the future, you will also be able to pay using an app on your phone by tapping your pass upon entering and exiting the bus. Each trip costs 70,000 LL.
What Are the Buses Like?
Safety is a top priority for this initiative. The buses are equipped with security cameras facing both the driver and the passengers, providing an added layer of protection. They also boast GPS tracking systems for real-time monitoring and efficient route management, all coordinated through a central control room. A dedicated app, coming soon, will provide information on bus arrival and departure times.
Perhaps the most welcome feature of all, especially during Lebanon’s hot summers, is the air conditioning.
Expected Routes
Though not finalized, these are the expected routes for the buses:
B1: Nahr el Mot – Bain Militaire – Nahr el Mot
B2: Nahr el Mot – Mar Mikhael – Nahr el Mot
B3: Mar Mikhael – Beirut – Mar Mikhael
B4: Adlieh – Lebanese University – Adlieh
B5: Mar Mikhael – Concord (Verdun) – Mar Mikhael
B6: Martyrs’ Square – Damour – Martyrs’ Square
B7: Mar Mikhael – Khalde – Mar Mikhael
ML1: Adlieh – Chtaura – Adlieh
ML2: Khalde – Tyre – Khalde
ML3: Nahr el Mot – Baabda Governmental Hospital – Nahr el Mot
ML4: Nahr el Mot – Tripoli – Nahr el Mot
With more routes expecting to be added down the line.
Challenges
Unfortunately, after just one day of operations, the buses were subject to attacks by van drivers who felt their livelihoods were threatened. We hope this was an isolated incident.
With these new buses, Lebanon is taking a significant step towards modernizing its public transportation infrastructure, offering a reliable, safe, and comfortable alternative for daily commutes and travel.
