Dear Editor,
I don’t believe I’ve met a single person who hasn’t had an issue with the mini-bus culture in Guyana. What thousands of Guyanese have to endure while making their daily commute in these buses is nothing short of abuse and degradation. And commuters are not the only victims of these crass and lawless mini-bus drivers and conductors – other road users are left at their mercy – people who don’t want a confrontation, or just want to get where they’re going choose to avoid these hooligans who use the roadways recklessly with impunity.
I believe anyone who has used our roadways has experienced mini-buses racing through red lights, stopping as they please while other drivers are made to wait for them to pick-up or offload passengers, overtake or undertake to get to the front of the line, blast lewd and vulgar music callously while passengers have to sit quietly lest they be abused and put out of the bus, throw garbage out their windows, urinate in public as passengers wait, drink while driving, speed down busy streets – the list goes on.
This is the public transportation that Guyanese are forced to use, and no serious measures seem to be in place to curb the absolute lawlessness. Guyanese deserve better. A little respect during your daily commute is not a burdensome request, but a basic necessity. The time is long overdue for us to have dignified, dependable, comfortable, and safe public transportation. That surely isn’t too much to ask.
Sincerely,
Darrell A. Carpenay