The National Capital District Commission has donated two more buses to the Ginigoada Foundation to add to its Meri Seif Bus fleet in Port Moresby.
NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, made the presentation yesterday to Ginigoada Chairman, David Conn, on behalf of NCDC.
Governor Parkop said the Meri Seif Bus program has been a success and they earlier promised to the foundation both buses to continue the program.
Parkop said personally, he did not agree with having only women buses, likening it to segregation. However, he said the attitude of men and youths had to change.
“We can’t have it in this time and age in the world. But we are compelled to do it, because of the bad attitude of our people, continue to harass women and girls, pinching them, stealing their phones, and stealing their bilums,” he said.
Conn agreed with Parkop’s statement and said there are elements that do not make public transport safe for women.
He said they are however, delighted to continue the program after a successful year.
“Last year we carried 220,000 women,” said Conn to a round of applause.
Conn also announced that Wifi services will be installed on all Meri Seif Buses for women to use while travelling to and from their destinations.
Plans are also afoot to have the buses provide PMV services to generate revenue to continue the service.