The Vice Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communication (MOPTC) Eng Inacio Moreira said the government has decided to purchase additional buses to reduce traffic congestion in the capital Dili.
The vice minister added that even though there are many microlets (mini-buses) transporting people across the capital that each of them can only transport up to 12 passengers and that a public bus would be able to transport 40 passengers at once.
“So we will buy buses which will be a more efficient way to reducing traffic congestion,” said Vice Minister Moreira in Dili.
The vice minister said that the government will conduct a viability study first and also speak to potential investors.
Meanwhile Member of Parliament MP Arao Noe believes this is a good initiative because the public transport system across the country is running uncontrolled.
“During Indonesian times they were called DAMRI buses. The government needs to start thinking about which company will be in charge,” said the MP.
He also urged the government to establish adequate control mechanisms because public transport in the country does however it wishes.
Dili resident Matias Freitas also approved the initiative but hopes public transport will be run in an orderly manner.
“We have to change the way it is being run so that we can reduce traffic congestion in the country.”
