The Red Bus: The Return of the Master of Public Transportation for Decades in Baghdad

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Economy News - Baghdad
[rtl] For 40 consecutive years, the “red bus” was the primary means of transportation within Baghdad after its inauguration in the 1950s. Then the number of its buses gradually decreased, and it stopped working before returning.[/rtl]
[rtl]The red double-decker bus has reappeared in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, and thus resumed its important role in supporting public transportation, which it had been the master of for decades. This has revived fond memories among residents who consider it one of the symbols of Baghdad.[/rtl]
[rtl]Going back to the history of the red double-decker bus in Iraq, it was supposed to enter service in the 1930s after the authorities at the time agreed to purchase a group of its buses, but the circumstances of World War II prevented the completion of the deal, which was postponed until 1956 when the first group of red double-decker buses was operated, making Baghdad the second city after London to use this bus.[/rtl]
[rtl]The Director of Public Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Karim Kazim Hussein, announced last April the arrival of 300 red double-decker buses. He pointed out that all buses will operate in the mass transit project.[/rtl]
[rtl]He explained that “if there is a need to purchase additional buses, this will happen, but we believe that the current number of buses is sufficient, knowing that the need may become greater with the start of the congestion relief project, as it will be one of the pillars of its implementation in order to create appropriate solutions to the crisis that is increasing day after day in light of the population density and the expansion of construction and business projects.”[/rtl]
[rtl]He pointed out that "one public transport bus is equivalent to 10 regular cars. Therefore, there will be a large absorption of the number of cars, and there is an integrated plan under the supervision of the Minister of Transport with the General Company for Private Transport Management to determine the number of buses operating on each line compared to the number of those from the private transport sector so that this does not affect the living income of the owners of buses and cars in the private sector."[/rtl]
[rtl]In recent weeks, the opening of vital red bus routes has continued, serving important areas in Baghdad, targeting low-income earners, college and institute students, factory workers, and employees.[/rtl]
[rtl]“The red double-decker bus was part of Baghdad’s urban heritage,” journalist and researcher in Iraqi heritage, Saleh Al-Jumaili, told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. “Iraq embraced these buses during a period of its history as part of efforts to improve and modernize the public transportation system.”[/rtl]
[rtl]“These buses were also part of the daily lives of many Iraqis from different social classes in Baghdad, making them part of the social fabric of the city. Visitors and tourists admired them because they were only seen in the British capital, London. For Iraqis, the red double-decker bus symbolizes the good old days when life was simpler and things were more regular before the country witnessed difficult events that lasted for decades,” he continues.[/rtl]
[rtl]He notes that “with the passage of time and the disappearance of the red bus from the streets, the value of these memories has increased, as they are considered part of Iraq’s history and heritage, of which they are proud. This reflects the importance of the Iraqis’ emotional connection to this means of transportation, which was part of their daily lives and urban culture, making it more than a means of transportation, and reviving the beautiful memories and simple human experiences that characterized previous periods.”[/rtl]

[rtl]"Interest of the mother of the two floors"[/rtl]

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[rtl]“Maslaha Bus” or “Maslaha” was the common name for the red double-decker bus. Because the Passenger Transport Authority was responsible for public transportation in Iraq, Iraqis therefore used to refer to the bus as “Maslaha Umm Al-Takbeen.”[/rtl]
[rtl]“Talking about the Umm al-Tabaqayn interest is emotional,” Marwa Akram tells Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, recalling several scenes from when she was a child about forty years ago, riding the bus to go on school and family trips to archaeological and recreational areas. She says, “It was common for families to ride the interest bus to go on recreational trips to certain areas. The red bus was fun for us when we were young, and part of the outings.”[/rtl]
[rtl]She added: “Sitting on the upper deck gave passengers a panoramic view, making the trip enjoyable, especially when passing by major landmarks such as the Tigris River, old markets and public parks.”[/rtl]
[rtl]Iraqis' love for the red double-decker bus can be easily detected when talking about it, especially among the elderly and the generations that rode it.[/rtl]
[rtl]There are many reasons for this love, which relates to practical, emotional and cultural aspects. The red bus represents the recent past, which they describe as “beautiful and uncomplicated,” which made it part of the collective memory of Iraqis.[/rtl]
[rtl]Hasnaa Ezz El-Din, a retired employee, told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed: “The bus, thanks to its design, provided more space for passengers, and reflected the image of a modern and advanced city, as it is only found in a few cities in the world. The bus was distinguished by the fact that the ticket price was very low, and it reached its destinations on time, which is why it was preferred by the general public.”[/rtl]
[rtl]For many, the experience of riding the red double-decker bus was unique and enjoyable in Baghdad. The second floor provided panoramic views of the city, making the trip more enjoyable and exciting, whether during the day or at night.[/rtl]
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[rtl]fun time[/rtl]

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[rtl]The red bus actually combines practical and emotional aspects, which made it a beloved symbol for many Iraqis who used to ride it to spend a pleasant time or for a walk.[/rtl]
[rtl]Aref Al-Hassoun recalls stages of his youth during the 1970s when the bus was an essential part of it. He tells Al-Araby Al-Jadeed: “A number of bus lines passed through areas that included orchards and luxurious palaces with beautiful gardens. I used to spend my free time sitting on the upper floor and enjoying the views as if I were on a tourist trip. I was not the only one who did that, but the majority of people did when Baghdad was not crowded with people and cars like it is now. Strolling the streets was one of the most important things people did to entertain themselves, especially by riding the red double-decker bus.”[/rtl]
 
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Added 2024/08/11 - 10:51 AM
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