From the Commuting Workers of Beirut to Lebanese Officialdom:
The Workers of Beirut, especially those of moderate to low income levels, call on the government of the Republic of Lebanon and the Mayor of Beirut to declare a state of transport emergency and react appropriately to the growing crisis in the city.
The Workers of Beirut who live in the suburbs of the city and who work to prop up the roof on this precariously perched national economy deserve proper recognition of their Herculean achievements and the respect of their city government. This can only be achieved by affording workers the following:
- Alternative transport options: both immediately implemented temporary solutions and more permanent long term solutions.
Start work on a country wide mass transit plan that includes a elevated metro for Beirut and the suburbs.
- Start the construction of public multi-story parking facilities all around the city at an accelerated pace.
- Open up existing open spaces for the public to park their vehicles on a temporary basis, or until alternative transport solutions are found and implemented, provided the parking lots are managed by city officials and charge only a token fee (at or under LL 2,000)
- Provide each company with special stickers to each of its employees who drive to work so they may be afforded preferential treatment in parking and allowed to park for free in paid parking zones.
The commuting workers of Beirut urge officialdom to tackle this crisis with all due haste.
Signed
The Commuting Workers of Beirut
