BY TONY SII
The two distinguishable Meri Seif buses in Port Moresby ferried 220,000 women and girls safely and free of charge to various city destinations last year.
And the figure is expected to increase even further with an additional 10 to make it 12 in total by the end of the year.
Mr David Conn, who is the chairman of the Ginigoada Business Development Foundation which runs the Meri Seif bus service, revealed this following the National Capital District’s announcement of a donation of two of their big buses to the foundation yesterday.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop said the buses will be handed over at a later date.
“It is part of our efforts to make our city safe for women and girls and equally for everyone,” Mr Parkop said.
In acknowledging the assistance, Mr Conn said the support will enhance the plans they have for the female-only transport service which includes the installation of wi-fi services on the buses.
He said the separate service wouldn’t have existed if men were respectful to women and girls, who are the main victims of crime and violence including molestations while traveling on public motor vehicles (PMVs).
“Even though it (Meri Seif bus service ) is for the women , the men of the house can know that his woman and his daughters get to the destination safely and freely,” Mr Conn said.
In the meantime, he said plans are in place to have the buses run as PMV service.