-
Residents of Damascus and Its Countryside Turn to Alternative Transportation to Alleviate Commute Crisis
Some residents of Damascus and its countryside have resorted to alternative transportation methods in an attempt to ease the severe transportation crisis that has turned waiting for minibuses and collective transport into a daunting experience.
With the number of available minibuses declining, locals have started using motorcycles and collective transport vehicles like "Suzukis" to reduce wait times.
In this context, "Abu Wael," a resident of Sidi Muqdad, shared his experience, saying, "Since the beginning of the transportation crisis, we have noticed a significant drop in the number of minibuses, forcing us to wait for long periods at the Sayyida Zainab station. However, Suzukis have begun transporting passengers to areas like Beit Sahm and Sidi Muqdad, which has helped mitigate the crisis."
He added, "Despite the varying fares that range between 2,000 and 5,000 Syrian pounds, Suzukis have become an acceptable option because they save time and contribute to solving part of the problem," according to reports from the pro-Syrian government outlet, "Ather Press."
For his part, "Abu Fadi," a resident of the town of Muhaylaha, stated that Suzukis can carry more than 15 passengers, making them a practical choice to reduce waiting times. He noted that fares range between 5,000 and 8,000 pounds, but added that they effectively help alleviate congestion.
In the Al-Zablatani area, Suzukis have become a preferred option for many residents. A young man named "Majeed," from Ain Tarma, said, "After we used to wait for long periods for minibuses, now we wait for Suzukis, whose fares range between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds."
One Suzuki driver explained that transporting passengers is not his primary profession; he does this while returning from delivering goods and furniture, providing him with additional income to cover fuel costs. However, he mentioned the concerns drivers face due to traffic violations, as the law does not permit these vehicles to transport passengers collectively.
It is worth noting that Damascus has been experiencing a severe transportation crisis for weeks, attributed by drivers to a shortage of fuel allocations. Despite officials' statements about daily fuel provisions for minibuses, the crisis persists, prompting residents to seek unconventional alternatives to alleviate their suffering.
