LAHORE: The Punjab government on Monday gave permission to phase-out Qingqi rickshaws in Lahore, sources told Express News.
Around 0.1 million rickshaw drivers will become unemployed if this decision is implemented and according to the sources, the provincial government will provide them with alternative means to earn a living.
The government said its decision to phase-out the motorcycle rickshaws was based on increasing traffic congestion, accidents and pollution in the city.
A recent report by the city’s environmental department blamed Qingqis for 80% of the pollution in Lahore.
The Lahore Transport Company (LTC) – responsible for phasing-out the motorcycle rickshaws – had earlier planned to conduct a study of the number of passenger rides taken on Qingqi in the city.
The LTC had said that the motorcycle rickshaw was more dangerous for passengers than conventional rickshaws and was also more detrimental to the flow of traffic. However, it had also acknowledged that it is a cheap and convenient mode of transport for many.