Several Lebanese MPs recalled memories of the historic Beirut tram. They also spoke about reviving it as part of a public transport network and better infrastructure. The discussion was light-hearted and serious at once. It covered old transport and future projects.
MP Sejaan Azzi’s colleague Sajee Attiyeh opened with a joke. He said he is still a young man of 60 and does not remember the tram era himself. MP Marwan Hamadeh, by contrast, recalled those good days. He hoped the tram would return. Passengers, he said, paid only five qroush to travel from Manara to Furn el-Shubbak and downtown Beirut.
MP Michel Muoawad said bringing back the tram is a necessity and a basic public service for Beirut’s streets. MP Ibrahim Mneimneh agreed. He said work on the issue has already begun, but it needs more push and effort to become real.
MP Ghassan Hasbani said a comprehensive, well-studied investment program was drawn up while he was deputy prime minister. It covered all of Lebanon’s infrastructure and sectors. The Beirut tram was a main part of the feasible public transport projects.
Finally, MP Ali Mokdad called for radical solutions to transport and infrastructure problems. He said foreign companies have submitted offers under a BOT (build-operate-transfer) scheme. They would build a tunnel at Dahr el-Baidar. This would shorten distances and avoid the problems of snow and rain. It would also save the billions spent each year on road paving to no effect. Mokdad criticized the state for being slow to decide on the project, even though Parliament approved it earlier. He ended by saying buses are the first urgent priority, before the trams are put back in service.
