Saudi Gazette The fifith Riyadh Economic Forum held a meeting a few days ago to discuss transportation problems in the Kingdom. The issue demands considerable improvement in the transportation system. The traffic crisis has incurred a loss of approximately SR81 billions per year. The division of the estimated loss is broken down into three major components - SR47 billion in traffic accidents, SR28 billion in traffic congestion, and SR5 billion in pollution. A study on the traffic problems revealed that 82 percent of the Kingdom's residents use their private cars to go around, which has led to extreme overcrowding on the roads. Few people use public transport, although the provision might help in reducing traffic congestion, if the available transport is in a commendable condition and not only restricted to men. The Minister of Transport, Dr. Jabarah Bin Eid Al-Suraisiry, mentioned that both, private and government sector should work hard to provide better general transportation services not only to adults, but to school children as well. He further stated that most countries in the world provide students with suitable and safe means of transportation free of charge and without any profit, as a part of the state's social responsibility. The forum suggested a number of steps to solve the problem and ensure a smooth flow of traffic - Funding, developing, and supporting the initiation of large public buses and trains to operate within the city and neighboring cities. Offering group transportation for students and general public at different timings. Implementing strict laws that make it impermissible for large trucks to enter the cities at peak traffic hours. Repairing the roads that are laden with potholes or other risks that could cause accidents, and maintenance of traffic signals and sign boards. Improving the availability of public parking. Private car owners might be required to pay a fee on their cars, in future, in order to encourage the use of public transport which will help decrease pollution and traffic congestion. A study reported that the major cause of traffic accidents is speeding. Abrupt stopping, illegal parking, and use of mobile phones while driving are other primary concerns. In addition, youngsters should not be allowed to sit behind wheels without proper driving education and a driver's license. A lot of public awareness needs to be created on safe driving, and adherence to internationally recognized driving rules should be followed diligently. __
