Divided reactions to the presidential message: transportation still lacks an effective solution.

The presidential message of July 28 has sparked a mix of reactions within the political and social spectrum of the country. While some sectors praised the speech, others deemed it empty rhetoric disconnected from the reality faced by the population. The lengthy duration of the message, coupled with a tone that many described as tedious and demagogic, led several attendees to appear visibly uninterested. Some even fell asleep in the chamber, while others, particularly the congress members, chose to leave before the intervention concluded. One of the most concerning points not addressed during the message was the grave situation of traffic and transportation in the country. The statistics are alarming: over 15,000 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents in the last five years, and more than 270,000 have suffered injuries, many with permanent consequences. However, the presidential speech made no reference to these figures or the tragedy they represent. This omission is particularly painful for those directly affected by this issue. The transportation service in Peru presents a bleak outlook. The various modes of transportation for people and goods are, for the most part, inefficient and do not meet the responsibilities required of them. In Lima, the lack of adequate land terminals is a critical aspect. Instead of having facilities that meet the standards of a "terrapuerto," as is done in other countries, citizens suffer daily from the inefficiencies of makeshift and poorly managed stops. Law No. 27181, which regulates land transportation and transit, was enacted 25 years ago and has yet to be effectively implemented. The state remains absent in the construction and operation of terminals that could improve the transportation situation. The lack of a single space where the authorities responsible for oversight are concentrated exacerbates the problem, leaving passengers and companies at the mercy of informality and disorder. Moreover, the transportation of cargo and goods faces similar challenges. There is no adequate infrastructure, such as the so-called "dry ports," to efficiently manage the circulation of trucks in cities. The absence of specific schedules and routes for these types of vehicles not only poses a risk to road safety but also presents an obstacle to the productivity of commerce. Urban transportation is perhaps the most complicated aspect of all. In Lima, the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao (ATU) has struggled to establish a properly functioning system, but the results have been scarce. Since the introduction of the Metropolitano in 2010, multiple transport corridors have been promised and discarded. This lack of continuity in transportation policy has harmed millions of residents who depend on an efficient system for mobility. The creation of an Integrated Transport System (SIT) is urgent. This system could improve the public transportation situation, but it will require a considerable investment in infrastructure and training. The introduction of electric buses could be a step toward sustainability, but without a real commitment from the state and proper planning, this improvement will remain a distant dream. As the presidential message came to a close, the amount allocated for road infrastructure exceeded $3.8 billion. In light of this figure, a crucial question arises: is this investment worthwhile if it does not translate into the safeguarding of human lives? The 3,500 fatalities in recent years cry out for urgent and effective reforms in the transportation sector. The implications of this crisis are not limited to chaos on the streets; they extend to the safety of families, the well-being of communities, and public health. Without a clear approach and concrete decisions to address these problems, the country will continue to face a mobility crisis that affects all citizens. As society demands answers, it is clear that the time for words has passed. Now is the time for action.