For many people in Port Moresby, public buses are the only practical way to get to work, school, markets, clinics, and family commitments and the impacts of the system's failure are obvious, immediate and severe.
Unsafe vehicles create risk for passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. It was obvious that the city could not continue to rely on vehicles that were no longer fit for service, but removing them without replacing them was poorly concieved. Given the choice between riding in a rusty old bus that may be prone to breakdown or waiting alone at night on the street for a shiny new, yet severely delayed bus that may not actually come, any woman in Port Moresby would choose the former.
At the least commuters now face longer waiting times, incomplete trips and vastly increased exposure to crime risk. In some areas, the shortage has become severe, with many buses unavailable on key routes. Women are forced to wait longer at bus stops, travel later than planned, and often walk long distances after dark.
This is a critical public safety issue.
The Fear is Real
At poorly lit and high-risk locations, longer waiting times expose passengers to theft, harassment, pickpocketing, bag snatching, and assault. Places such as the Hohola tunnel bus stop have quickly become notorious for threats such as these and show how quickly transport failure creates public security risks.
Route short-serving has become another concern. Operators are cutting routes short due to fuel costs and other operating pressures, leaving their passengers stranded at bus stops and forced ultimately to walk.
It is true that Port Moresby needed safer vehicles, but it also needs enough vehicles, and that should have been the primary concern.
The lines for commuters in Port Moresby is growing longer with every bus taken off the road.
Practical Priorities
To remediate the situation, the city needs a clearer plan for replacing unroadworthy buses with safe and reliable services. Removing an unsafe bus should only happen when a replacement is available.
Route completion needs stronger monitoring and enforcement. Passengers should have confidence that their route will be completed and not subject to the whim of a negligent driver. Short-serving damages public trust and creates real safety risks.
Commuters need a formal way to report issues. Many passengers raise concerns through social media, where they seem not to reach the notice of authorities. Reports should feed into a proper grievance and feedback system that records problems, identifies repeat issues, and helps authorities respond.
Women, elderly, and other vulnerable groups must have a clear voice.
Port Moresby is Growing. Its Transport System Needs to Grow With It
A more formal service model, similar in principle to structured city bus systems such as Eda City Bus, would help improve reliability, safety, and public confidence. This means building a system where roadworthy vehicles, fair fares, route reliability, passenger safety, and operator viability are treated as connected issues.
Public transport affects access to employment, education, healthcare, markets, and community life. A safe and reliable transport system helps people participate in the city. It gives workers confidence that they will arrive on time. It gives students a better chance of getting to school safely. It gives families greater certainty in their daily routines.
The crackdown on unsafe buses was understandable, but woefully short sighted without first planning for how to replace them. Getting more buses into service should be an urgent priority for the city.
