Lebanon’s Buses are Back! (And Yes, They Have AC)

Exciting news for commuters in Lebanon! The long-awaited return of public buses is here, and they’re better than ever. With 96 brand-new buses hitting the roads, this initiative is set to transform public transportation. These buses will start running in Beirut initially and will be operating across the entire country by September.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, this initiative showcases a successful public-private partnership. The Lebanese government will oversee and regulate the service, while Ahdab Commuting & Trading Company - ACTC, a privately owned company famous for its 70+ years of experience in managing bus services, will manage the day-to-day operations. Mr. Aoni Ahdab, heading ACTC, took it upon himself to refurbish and digitalize the buses before putting them into service, providing a Europe-like experience for passengers when it comes to comfort, safety, and convenience.

Expected Routes

Though not finalized, these are the expected routes for the buses:

B1: Nahr el Mot – Bain Militaire – Nahr el Mot

B2: Nahr el Mot – Mar Mikhael – Nahr el Mot

B3: Mar Mikhael – Beirut – Mar Mikhael

B4: Adlieh – Lebanese University – Adlieh

B5: Mar Mikhael – Concord (Verdun) – Mar Mikhael

B6: Martyrs’ Square – Damour – Martyrs’ Square

B7: Mar Mikhael – Khalde – Mar Mikhael

ML1: Adlieh – Chtaura – Adlieh

ML2: Khalde – Tyre – Khalde

ML3: Nahr el Mot – Baabda Governmental Hospital – Nahr el Mot

ML4: Nahr el Mot – Tripoli – Nahr el Mot

With more routes expecting to be added down the line.

How MaliaTec digitalized the public transport buses:

MaliaTec equipped these buses with advanced GPS tracking hardware, and AI-powered cameras to monitor the buses' second-by-second activity, along with the drivers' driving behavior and the passengers' safety.

Using MaliaTrack, powered by Wialon, A.C.T.C. is able to monitor the daily operation of the buses from the control room in Anfe, equipped with the latest in video wall technology from Samsung.

Fleet Management Systems

Maliatec's IoT solutions can provides comprehensive fleet management systems, enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of buses. These systems offer:

• GPS Tracking: Real-time location tracking of buses to improve route efficiency and safety.
• Route Optimization: Algorithms to optimize bus routes based on traffic conditions and passenger demand.
• Maintenance Alerts: Predictive maintenance alerts to reduce downtime and extend the lifespan of buses.

Passenger Information Systems

By deploying advanced passenger information systems, Maliatec enhances the commuter experience:

• Real-Time Updates: Digital displays and mobile applications providing real-time information on bus arrivals, departures, and delays.
• Announcements: Automated audio-visual announcements for upcoming stops and route changes.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Providing free Wi-Fi on buses to improve passenger comfort and connectivity.

Payment Solutions

Maliatec streamlined the fare collection process through modern payment solutions:

• Contactless Payments: Implementation of contactless payment systems using cards and mobile phones for quick and convenient fare collection.
• Smart Cards: Introduction of rechargeable smart cards for frequent commuters.
• Mobile Apps: Apps allowing passengers to purchase and store tickets digitally.

Safety and Security

Enhancing safety and security on public buses is crucial, and Maliatec offers:

• CCTV Surveillance: High-definition cameras installed on buses for real-time monitoring and recording.
• Emergency Communication Systems: Direct communication channels between drivers and control centers for quick response in emergencies.
• Passenger Counting: Automated systems to count passengers, ensuring buses are not overloaded.