Unacceptable attitudes of many of the minibus operators has been a sore point over the years, and seems to have worsened despite pleas from the public. Sadly, it’s not just one area of concern, but wide ranging within the service they provide, and to other road users.
Much has been said about the loud and lewd music which all, including schoolchildren, are forced to endure on a daily basis. There is no respite, and any objection by commuters is met with disdain, disrespect and wanton abuse in many cases. It appears that there is no consideration by these uncaring operators that they depend on the commuters for their livelihood.
In a country that is slowly becoming more service oriented, those who buy are given due importance as competitiveness increases. Maybe the time, for competitiveness in public transportation, which many believe has passed, is now. The provision of this service is bread and butter for the operators and many owners; however, safety for road users and the provision of a better service cannot be continually disregarded.
In an age when the wheel is no longer invented, lessons can be leant from some Caribbean countries that have the service regularised. Templates can be borrowed from countries that have both private and Government operated services. The power of choice not just empowers, in this case commuters, but brings competition that generally redounds in better services.
Of course, there is the argument of preference for some for what is currently provided by the minibus operators. The bottom line is that they do not speak for everyone. Those who have been shamed for speaking up against loud and profanity-laced music crave a service or system that would bring them much-needed relief. Same for the elderly, same for those with illnesses, and same for those who are harassed and pressured, sometimes physically, into a minibus.
Some commuters, based on knowledge, tend to choose the minibus they wish to travel in, so as to reduce the likelihood of being exposed to the blaring music, and to some extent avoid being subjected to indiscriminate driving. But sometimes circumstance may not allow for this, given urgencies, weather, and other related factors. There is also the scenario of the appearance of a “peaceful” minibus before the journey commences, but afterwards the music booms, trapping commuters. While some would disembark, others may not, for good reasons.
In fairness to operators, some are trying to provide a proper service, have shown respect to commuters, and abide by traffic laws. They would have, over time, highlighted challenges faced, including that from touts. While one expectation would be for them to be more vociferous and to advocate for change from within, it appears that the odds are stacked against them. From peer pressure and pressure to meet their daily target to influential owners of some minibuses, it is made difficult for change from within.
Running red lights, speeding, not returning change, some drinking while driving, cutting dangerously into the path of other drivers, demanding with their hands out that they must pass or get in front, carrying way in excess of the number of passengers legally allowed, and using roads that are not authorised as per their road service are some of the indiscretions commuters and other road users are forced to endure by some minibus operators.
What prevents other policy decisions to holistically regularise the minibus situation? Regularisation must be driven by the dire need to raise the standard of service and safety. It must not only be important for the creation of a friendly and caring image to tourists, but fundamentally to Guyanese who daily toil and make sacrifices here to pay requisite fares.
The overriding consideration must be the welfare of the commuters, and if this is taken on board, much-needed change can be forthcoming without the need for lessons from elsewhere.
