Minibus operators to be trained to deal with emergencies

On Wednesday, minibus operators across the various routes will be involved in a training session aimed at preparing them to respond to emergencies, especially in cases of accidents.
This is according to President of the United Minibus Union (UMU), Eon Andrews, who explained that the training would be conducted by the Guyana Red Cross Society as part of implementing the Code of Conduct for Bus Drivers and Conductors.
“We’re starting this orientation seminar next week Wednesday, and a Police consultation at Eve Leary. We’re supposed to be having at least about 30 operatives from six different routes to start the orientation. We are doing it in Georgetown and in the Regions”, Andrews stated.
The training, which will be conducted twice a month, will cater for five operators from each route during every session. In addition to the Red Cross Society, the Guyana Police Force will also lecture the minibus operators on safe and defensive driving.
Moreover, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) will play a part in implementing this Code of Conduct, according to Andrews.
“Consumer Affairs Department will obviously talk about Consumer-related things also, to let the (operators of the) buses know that it’s not just about them, the consumer also has a responsibility,” the Union President stated.
The Road Safety Council of Guyana is also expected to participate in the training session. This arm of the Public Security Ministry will lecture the operators on what they can do to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.
Andrews pointed out that he is aware of some complaints that passengers are being robbed in buses, something he feels should never happen. In fact, the head of the UMU pointed out that such service providers should be incarcerated for failing to take proper measures to ensure passengers are safe.
On this note, he pointed to the importance of the orientation exercise, since many operators are still uncertain of what is expected of them in the Code of Conduct. Andrews said he realises that some persons may even have a difficulty in interpreting what the document says, hence the need for this training.
He spoke specifically on the occurrence of accidents, and said most times drivers and conductors panic when an accident occurs, instead of trying to assist passengers. Hopefully, he said, the training will help to address this.
Among the areas which will be addressed under the Code of Conduct are the operators’ mode of dress, language and behaviour. This means that operators will not be allowed to wear inappropriate clothing, exposing themselves, use indecent language, and treat passengers in a hostile manner. In fact, operators will now be mandated to wear a uniform, along with an identification badge which should include the name of the organisation of association.
They will also be expected to help the elderly, if needed, and not force them to hurry and be seated, while at the same time treat foreigners who speak different languages in a respectable and hospitable manner.
The code of conduct also states that persons belonging to vulnerable groups, such as children and the differently-able, be treated with care.
The new document will also prohibit minibus drivers from making stops, except at bus stops. They will also be expected to play their music at comfortable levels for their passengers, and not have derogatory images or words on the interior or exterior of the buses.
The code of conduct also reinforces other laws with regard to overloading, among other things. The fare structure, according to the code of conduct, must be visible to passengers.
Passengers are now being asked to contact the Guyana Police Force should the code of conduct be violated by these operators.