In the last couple of years, I have come across many people, facebook groups, news articles and even threads in this forum bringing up the subject of the transport networks in Lebanon, especially the railway, the tramway and the metro networks.
It is true that trains -- especially freight trains -- have been at the base of the development of any modern society.
Having studied Belgian political history, it was obvious that Belgium's survival as a sovereign and independent country, from 1830 until the end of WWII, was to be thanked to its very performant train network, and its port, one of the biggest ports of Europe.
Lebanon needs to develop its transport networks, and for many reasons:
- Trains will improve Lebanon's commercial potentials
- Beirut is too crowded, roads are always blocked
- Public transport is cheaper, especially for 1-2 people driving alone
- Public transport will continue to get relatively cheaper because of the rise in the price of petrol
- There are lots of people using the bus frequently, within Beirut, from Beirut to Dora to Antelias to Jounieh and further to Tripoli!
- However, not everyone has access to public transport, because too few lines are served... My guess is people will start using them if networks were really efficient, and connected more areas together!
- Benefits will be felt on short, medium and long term
How to organize it?
- In my opinion, we have no need for a
metro or a
tramway system: the former will cost too much for too little benefits on the short and medium term, and the latter has no space to be developed.
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First phase: a
train network --both freight and passengers-- linking Beirut (port) to the North and Syria (passing through Jounieh, Jbeil, Batroun and Tripoli, but also shorter lines through Dora, Antelias, Zouk Mkayel, etc.)
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Second phase: bus networks linking the train stations to the focal points within Beirut and the other cities where the train passes. The goal is to get the passengers efficiently to the train stations.
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Third phase: bus networks linking more distant areas to Beirut's focal points (same for Jounieh, Jbeil, Batroun and Tripoli.
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Fourth phase: developing a second, third and fourth train line to the Bekaa valley and to South Lebanon. It is important to link the different cities and industrial areas together (Aley-Chtaura to Zahle-Rayak-Baabak and another to Damascus, and to the South passing through the Airport-Damour-Saida-Sour)
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Fifth phase: developing bus networks from these train stations to the surrounding areas
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Sixth phase: developing Rayak and other secondary airports for freight and passenger.
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Seventh and final phase: finalizing the project by connecting all areas to each other: long and middle distance urban areas by train, middle and short urban and rural distances by bus. Ultimately, the train network could also link less urban areas, like the Southern and Northern Bekaa, Akkar and many Southern villages. Some focal points will develop into cities thanks to these connections, whether for commercial or industrial reasons.