Private vehicles account for the majority of traffic on congested roads in Rawalpindi. City roads are full of private vehicles. A big percentage of these are two-wheelers and cars. Many new vehicles hit the city’s roads daily.
“Vehicles are one of the pollutants in Rawalpindi. Yet, the adoption of public transport remains abysmally low even as air quality plummets.The extreme levels of air pollution are shocking. Nevertheless, they have not taken anyone by surprise,” says Muhammad Taqi.
“While most people consider burning of debris a major cause of air pollution, analysis reveals that vehicular pollution is the top contributor to deteriorating air quality,” says Raza Mehdi. “The city’s expansion into peripheral areas has caused the per capita trip rate to rise and the average trip length. This urban sprawl, combined with longer commutes, is contributing to the rise in private vehicle usage,” says Zaman Abbas.
“The share of private vehicles has risen over the past decade. A large majority of middle-class and upper-middle-class citizens continue to use personal vehicles. This preference is contributing significantly to the dire conditions in the city,” says Zaman.
“I contacted private vehicle users to know what keeps them away from using public transport. They say we, along with friends, take one car. We accommodate 4-5 people. There is no need for public transport,” says Mureed Hussain.
“Maybe it was 5-6 years ago when I last took a public transport vehicle. I believe that the lack of dedicated bus lanes and inefficient routes contribute to the inconvenience of public transport,” says Zeenat Zaidi.
“I wish for shorter-distance bus routes to cater to specific needs. While I recognize the affordability of public transport, I argue that it’s not always feasible for individuals like me who prioritize convenience and time efficiency,” adds Zeenat.
“Many commuters also voice demands for better sanitation, safety, and facilities. I often see public transport in Rawalpindi lacking proper maintenance and in bad condition,” says Hamid Zaidi.
“There are many who outright reject the fact that cars are a key contributor to the state of Rawalpindi’s air. The effect of personal usage on air quality is minuscule. It’s more to do with stubble burning and industries,” says Azadar Hussain.
“We should support research groups and civil society organizations to conduct year-round discussions in schools and public forums to raise awareness about how climate and commute go hand in hand, instead of talking about it only when pollution levels spike,” suggests Naqi Ali.