Kabul Transport Crisis Deepens as Residents Face Long Waiting Times for Public Vehicles

DID Press: Residents of Kabul report a sharp deterioration in urban mobility, saying rising evening traffic congestion combined with a reduced availability of public transport has left thousands stranded for hours at bus stops and roadside stations.

Citizens across multiple districts of the Afghan capital say that during peak hours—particularly in the late afternoon—finding a public vehicle has become increasingly difficult, turning daily commuting into a prolonged struggle.

Many commuters report waiting for long periods without success, while others say available vehicles either operate irregularly or charge significantly higher fares than standard rates. The situation has particularly affected workers, students, and families who rely on public transport for daily movement.

Residents also accuse some drivers of exploiting the shortage by arbitrarily increasing fares, citing a lack of effective regulatory oversight. They argue that although Kabul has long faced traffic challenges, the current level of congestion and transport scarcity is unprecedented.

Citizens are calling on authorities to take urgent measures to improve urban transport infrastructure, regulate fares, and reduce traffic congestion, warning that continued inaction could further worsen mobility across the city.