The time is now for Government Public Transportation.

Jan 15, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I wish to call on the head of the Guyana Police Force – GPF, Mr. Leslie James, Minister of Business, Hon. Dominic Gaskin and President of the United Minibus Union – UMU, Mr. Eon Andrews to work collaboratively for the immediate enforcement of the Code of Conduct for the current Public Transport System.
The reasons are evident and I have witnessed and experienced public embarrassment from minibus drivers and their conductors. If this code of conduct is not enforced immediately, the Government of Guyana must get into the business of Government Public Transportation System.
The blatant disrespect and total insensitivity for commuters by these ill-mannered minibus operators must stop, and there must be some form of redress for victims.
I was awaiting a bus to head up to my destination – the community of Success, that is, on the Line-Top. At around 7:30, a 45 route minibus, the driver of which is of East Indian heritage and conductor of African heritage and was covered in white and red colour, then decided to take passengers up the East Coast.
As the bus was loading, a lady who decided to stand at the door until the back of the bus was loaded was then deprived of entering preceding her explanation that she was coming off short at Kingston Seawall area.
The driver who was inconsiderate accelerated the bus at the point where the lady was boarding, she could have fallen but for her ability to hold on to the back of the conductor’s seat.
Thereafter the bus was loaded, mind you, overloaded, and pulled out of the park. It headed north on Avenue of the Republic, the bus came to a stop at the traffic light – that’s the junction of Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic.
As the driver was awaiting the lights, he turned on the bass and music of the bus. Trust me, it was sudden and sharp. A senior citizen who was of African heritage and had dreadlocks pleaded with the driver to turn down the loud, vulgar sound. It was deafening.
It was at this point the driver asked the conductor to open the door and throw out the old man. Further, he said, “I don’t have to take anybody. Anyone else who gah problem wid de music can get out” and he turned up back the sexual, vulgar music.
He then stated, “Is wha does do some banna? He in know I get a trophy fuh de most unruly music and driver.”
Why! Why Minister of Business? Why! Why Mr. Leslie James and Eon Andrews? Why must commuters face such public harassment and embarrassment from minibus operators?
I believe the Government should get involved in the business of providing Public Transport. All because we – the citizens don’t have another option in public (affordable) transport services we are faced with this sort of unprofessionalism and injustice.
Further to the issue, I joined the bus and, yes I did ask where and how far he was going, given he’s not a regular 44 bus, but due to the unavailability of buses I joined the bus with the expectation of getting dropped to Success Line Top, Gas Station Road, which was told to me was ‘okay’.
To my surprise I was not dropped to my destination. Moreover, I was given short change. Before I could have asked for the rest of my money, the bus was up the road like ‘Speedy Gonzales’.
Robbery, harassment, and embarrassment are not good traits for Public Transport Services to have. It is time these operators are held accountable. They must pledge their allegiance to the Citizens of whatever route they intend to serve before any zoning…

Regards
D. McFarlane

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