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THERE are some measures which can be taken to reduce traffic congestion seen at the time of school opening and closing.
Most of the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. However, the downside is that we have to face the usual traffic congestion on a daily basis, especially when schools start and end.
It’s not just a problem in Bahrain; studies show that more than 30 per cent of traffic congestion is caused because of school traffic in many countries.
Bahrain has already taken measures to increase the capacity of the roads. But it does not seem to solve the problem completely. They have come up with a plan to stagger the timings of different schools which are largely applicable in public sector institutions. Still, the congestion seems to persist in nearby schools.
In my opinion, there should be an extension in the capacity of school buses, for children as well as staff members. Even if some of those buses have to operate at less than 50pc capacity, it would still be effective in reducing a significant part of the traffic.
Private schools and bus operators may not like that due to economic reasons, however, the government could provide some support to encourage them.
This solution can be applied very quickly, and as per my experience, it would be welcomed by the parents who spend hours in traffic when picking and dropping off their children.
Another solution, which requires long-term planning, is the de-clustering of schools from certain areas. Schools, which are closely spaced to one another generate so much traffic that it requires hours to clear out even after the school is over.
For these clusters of schools, even the buses seem like an extra inconvenience rather than a supportive means of transport. You have a line of buses coming out of the school after every few metres, and this virtually blocks the entire area. People, who have visited the educational area in Isa Town during rush hours would testify to that.
In the end, I would like to make a general appeal to everyone that all of us should try to curtail our trips as much as possible. Whether it be in the form of rescheduling them from the peak hour, using online platforms instead of making the trip or car-pooling with a friend, family or colleague.
Traffic congestion affects everyone, so it is incumbent upon all members of society to play their role in minimising it.
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