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The minibus code of conduct
Now there is a minibus code of conduct. The people responsible for this development are due a word of praise 
and a round of applause for their thinking and actions to get to this point. It represents a long overdue and much-needed start; a new and positive one that should benefit travellers and all road users.
News coverage of the code of conduct makes for a good read and good listening. Hope flows. This is good news all around, and with more in the report that noted some drivers have already exhibited their support through donning the recommended uniform. So far, so good.
Already some of the areas outlined in the newly unveiled code of conduct identify those matters of the most serious concern to road users. There is something speaking to quality of commute: loud and offensive music, vulgar language, and harassment in any form. The elderly, the challenged, the differently oriented, and the younger ladies should be pleased, and especially as it relates to that aspect about harassment. Too much of that, and too frequently has become the norm, almost a culture by itself. Seems like it could be a road of respect, courtesy, professionalism, and safety.
There is something about safety, as no code of conduct for drivers would be complete or worth its salt without input and standards in this area. There is provision for addressing safety concerns with a focus on such sensitive things as overloading and speeding. These should offer some relief for the weak of heart and weak of spirit, who are compelled to submit to what has become the order of the day and the dangerous roadway.
Speeding alone covers a whole lot of territory: overtaking, pedestrian crossings, traffic light infractions, and the vulnerable and slower in the way and usually ignored. This is all good news and should bring some warming relief to disgusted and imperiled passengers, pedestrians, and all those other persons who form a significant segment of the national transportation network and statistics.
The sensible and conservative, the fearful and reserved, most likely welcome these developments and now sit back and wait to observe how matters will unfold in the weeks and months ahead. In other words, how much of a difference this very commendable code of conduct will make, and the response from the travelling public. The code looks good on paper, and is appealing to the ear and heart. The issues will be with implementation, reception, and consistency. The follow-through efforts to make things happen through change.
As is well known by now to most citizens, this country does have a large library of praiseworthy policies and procedures that address many needs in many areas of endeavour. For the most part, there has been little material issue with good intentions and what is finalized on paper. On the other hand, there always seems to be gaps, stumbles and, to some not inconsiderable extent, failures by way of commitment and determination to implement and enforce all the way to the end.
The challenge, also very familiar to watchful citizens, is to power past vested interests, settled ways of conducting self and doing business, and the associated resistances of a society long accustomed to having its own way and to hell with everyone else, be it government or individual. Too many times, relationships and friendships intrude negatively on what begins as the positive and possible, what is missing and what is constructive. The will must be there to overcome the anticipated holdouts and violators that are sure to follow.
This minibus code of conduct is constructive and calls for continuous oversight and enhancing, as more is learned and adjustments have to be made. The code should be welcomed, if only for attempting to introduce some sanity into daily life. Now it must come alive, so that all can drive. And also walk, and can get from here to there (wherever that may be) safely.
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