WHILE it is good to know of the many initiatives the government has undertaken to streamline the public transport sector, we would like to bring to the government's notice some basic issues that should be taken care of, if the government is sincere about bringing discipline in the transport sector. The Dhaka South City Mayor Sayeed Khokon has admitted that finding solutions to the city1 s traffic problems are proving to be difficult because of the failure of the serviceproviding agencies. While the issue of coordination among the various agencies must be addressed, the other underlying causes of traffic chaos, including unfit and unlicensed vehides, traffic rules violations, should also be given due importance.

According to Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), more than 4.58 lakh unfit vehides are on the roads across the country and 1.68 lakh of them operate in the capital alone. Although, under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1983, vehides must undergo mandatory fitness checks every year, BRTA estimates that a total of 71,218 vehicles have not had their fitness certificates renewed in the last 10 years. Since unfit vehides are considered a key reason behind road crashes, taking these vehicles off the roads is something the authorities should consider seriously. In addition, the authorities must make sure unlicensed and underage drivers are not behind the steering wheels. Then comes the issue of traffic rules violations. We have hardly seen any action being taken against the politically influential people who, reportedly, violate traffic rules with complete impunity. If stringent punishment is given to the traffic rules violators, it would serve as a deterrent for everyone.

However, we are hopeful since the mayor, who heads a committee formed by the government to solve the cit/s traffic problems, has said that within two years the city-dwellers will see some positive changes. But over the years, we have heard of several initiatives being taken by the government to solve the myriad problems our transport sector has been faced with. The fact is that no substantive changes have been visible to the public. The government should, therefore, address the underlying causes of traffic chaos. Only promises will serve no one's interest.