Youth debate: Do we need Metro Express?

In the budget, the government made a provision of Rs 7.2 billion to finance the Metro Express. The Prime Minister even stated that the project will on track soon. 

Mauritius boasts a transportation system crumbling its own weight with the increased number of vehicles on our roads. Moreover, the government has earmarked over a billion rupees to renew the NTC’s bus fleet. Added to that, new incentives have been announced to encourage private operators to purchase semi-low floor buses. Does the country a new transport system such as Metro Express? How will this improve commuting and what are the associated costs? These questions are the main subject of our Youth Debate this week.

Chiranjiv Aungnoo: “It will help to reduce traffic jams”

24-year old Chiranjiv Aungnoo argues that it is a good idea to introduce metro in Mauritius. “We are living in a technology-driven era, which helps to improve the lives of people. Nowadays, there are more and more cars on our roads and this is causing traffic jams during peak hours. The new Terre Rouge-Verdun link road does not suffice. Even if we build more roads, we will be destroying nature and opting for deforestation. The Metro will surely help to reduce traffic jams, as it can accommodate a large number of people and it is fast as well. However, we should also think about the cost of implementing this system. Whether the government will spend a huge amount and what about the opportunities?”

Vibha Makoonlall: “These systems are eco-friendly”

Vibha Makoonlall states that one of the main characteristics of a convenient transport system is its convenience of use, efficiency, speed, safety, cleanliness and affordability for common people. “One major benefit of the metro is its ability to move a large number of people efficiently and in less time, resulting in time saving during peak hours, which was not possible with the traditional bus system. Likewise, metro systems are eco-friendly and if we see the current state of environment in Mauritius, this shall contribute to less air and noise pollution, owing to the fact that the metro has low power consumption.”

For her, the Metro system will have a more positive impact. “The number of road accidents will decrease as well. Nevertheless, one big issue is the cost of the implementation of such a big project, and maintenance costs afterwards. It will be a long-term construction, which will cause lots of disruption to the locals. Logically, travelling by metro might be more costly than by bus owing to the comfort and time factor. Without forgetting our environment, what will be the impact on our flora and fauna? Deforestation to set up new routes for the metro? Or even private properties being located on the designated route. Last but not least, is our society prepared for this type of change and development?”

Humaira Kayamdy: “It will improve the transport system”

23-year old French educator, Humaira Kayamdy avers that the metro will surely improve the transport system. “Instead of having individual cars driving towards the city, the metro can be used by an array of people. Moreover, this will decrease the problem of traffic congestion. Though this project offers a myriad of advantages, it is without a doubt not the first priority project for the country. We are still a developing country which has to deal with problems like poverty, low standard of living and poor free medical services. The metro will certainly improve the transport system but this is not the sole rationale to be considered when implementing this system. We should see if it will benefit the countrymen in terms of economy and jobs.”

Ravish Chintaram: “Is such a huge investment necessary?” 

Ravish Chintaram believes that a good public transport system is an essential aspect of development. “From a social perspective, public transport is often the only means of transport for the poor. Without it, they would be able to take up work within walking distance of their homes. So public transport improves the circle of opportunities. It also gives them greater access to education, healthcare and recreation. Public transport is thus important for improving sustainable mobility and it is the right approach to encourage low-carbon growth.”

According to him, the Metro has various advantages. “Metro is more reliable in terms of energy consumption, has high carrying capacities – high volumes during peak hours, is eco friendly, reduces journey time by 50% to 75%. However, is such a huge investment necessary for a small country like Mauritius? If not then this money can be used elsewhere, such as the setting up of specialised hospitals and improving healthcare or even in the education sector.” 

Yeshan Shibchurn: “It seems like the ideal solution”

21-year old Yeshan Shibchurn says that an efficient transport system has always been symbol of success for the country. “The major problem with our current transportation system is traffic jams – mainly caused by the high number of vehicles on our roads, as a result of the country’s economic development. The metro system seems to be the ideal solution to our problems, as it is a proven technology worldwide. The metro route, as proposed, would significantly decrease the commuting time to and from the Plaine Wilhems region to Port Louis. This development will also alleviate traffic for people travelling from the South to the North via Port Louis. It will also allow southerners to save time on their trip to and from the capital city using public transportation.”

Yeshan further adds that the metro will be a safer alternative. “Mauritius has a growing population and as we expect more tourists every year, this project will cater for this increase. Buses are known to be polluting; the metro will improve the quality of air in our major cities. The metro system will also bring competition on the market, which will encourage other parties to lower fares to remain competitive. Comfort has always been lacking on public buses despite efforts made; the new system will be a game changer.”