Integrated Public Transport Plan: Circular Route Linking Beirut to Aley’s Western Areas with Planned Expansion to Villages

The Union of Municipalities of Upper Gharb and Chahhar received the Director General of the Railway and Public Transport Authority, Ziad Chia, at its headquarters for a meeting dedicated to discussing mechanisms for activating the public transport project across the union’s towns and villages, in the presence of Union President Robert Sioufi and several municipal heads.

The meeting opened with welcoming remarks by Sioufi, who stressed the importance of this vital file due to its direct impact on citizens’ daily lives, particularly amid the current economic challenges. He emphasized the need to accelerate implementation steps to ensure effective and sustainable transport solutions.

For his part, Chia presented the project’s roadmap, outlining the administrative and technical requirements needed to move into the implementation phase, in coordination with the relevant official authorities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

The meeting served as a platform to highlight the importance of the project for the Upper Gharb and Chahhar region, with attendees underscoring that establishing an organized transport network is a fundamental need for residents—facilitating daily mobility, reducing costs, and strengthening connectivity between towns and key service, educational, and economic centers.

The proposed plan is based on launching a main circular route linking Beirut to the Gharb areas, passing through key locations including Bchamoun, Souk El Gharb, Baisour, Qabr Chmoun, and Aramoun, reaching Aramoun junction. This route is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility along this vital corridor.

A second phase will include expanding the network through feeder lines reaching neighboring villages, including Majdaliya in Aley District, ensuring broader coverage and accessibility for residents.