What the people say about

By Sara Bharrat with photos by Jules Gibson
This week we asked the man and woman in the street what they thought about the state resuming a big bus service.

Devika Gobin, student:

Devika Gobin‘Yes I think they should bring back the state-owned transportation. I would travel with the big buses because they will be less expensive. The big buses will not speed like the minibuses nor will they carry overload so I’ll feel safer travelling with them.’
Segis Gray, mechanic:

Segis Gray‘Re-introducing state transportation will not be feasible at this time in our economy. People are already accustomed to travelling with the minibuses and they do not look at the cost. I think most people already prefer the mode of transportation available to us.

For example, it costs more to travel from Georgetown to Berbice with the cars but most people prefer to use the cars even though it costs more. It is not a good idea because older citizens may use the big buses but the younger ones will stick to the minibuses.’

Joyce Ramsammy, pastor:

Joyce Ramsammy‘Yes we should definitely have those buses again. They are much easier to use and more comfortable to travel in. The state-owned buses will not have any loud music and therefore there will be fewer distractions for the driver. Further, since the government will be responsible for recruiting drivers they will employ experienced drivers who will make passengers feel safe.’

Michelle Craig, teacher:

Michelle Craig‘The prices would be more affordable if the government owned buses were brought back.

The minibus owners raise the bus fare every time there is a slight jump in the gas price but the government would be able to control the bus fares since the state-owned buses would be managed by them.’

Eartha Thornhill, teacher:

Eartha Thornhill‘I think that the state-owned buses should be used again, especially for school children and senior citizens. It will be more comfortable to travel in and safer as well. In my time, I cannot remember a big bus ever being in a road accident. If bringing back these buses means that road accidents can be avoided and lives saved then they should be brought back as soon as possible.’

Lindon Moore, student:

Lindon Moore‘There have been a lot of accidents involving minibuses with school children in them. The major reasons for these accidents have been overloading and speeding. I think bringing back the big buses would be a perfect way to address this problem. A lot of the minibuses also pick and choose which group of people they pick up in the mornings. If the big buses were reintroduced road accidents would be avoided and every school child would have an equal chance to get transportation to get to school on time.’


Cleveland Hutson, University of Guyana student:
Cleveland Hutson‘A long time now, these buses should have been brought back a long time now. These buses are comfortable, affordable and safe. It is a perfect way to avoid all those road smash-ups. The buses should be assigned to the longer routes especially and preference given to school children. Further, the wayward manner in which many minibus conductors treat young female students would be avoided since it would be the government’s job to employ mature, responsible individuals.’

Amanda Boudram, sales clerk:

Amanda Boudram‘Reintroducing the big buses would be a good idea because it carries more, makes travelling easier and there would be less hassling at rush hours to get transportation. However, most of the younger folks prefer the boom-boom minibuses so you would find that only older people may want to travel with the government buses. At afternoon rush hours people literally rush down the minibuses to get a seat so bringing back the big buses is definitely the way to go.’

Anjalie Ramoutar, data entry clerk:

Anjalie Ramoutar‘The minibuses we are using are too small and because they are privately owned and operated the drivers and conductors carry themselves in any manner they choose to. The bigger buses would of course have a larger capacity, allow commuters to travel in comfort and feel safe. These buses should be assigned especially to the longer routes. I have seen the few big buses at Linden operate and their service is just fine, I’ve often wished there were more of them.

Steffon Phillips, student:

Steffon‘They should reintroduce state-owned transportation because it’s safer for everyone. There will be no big rush to get a special bus and people will be able to travel in comfort. I don’t think they should have monthly bus passes because not everyone will be able to pay for it. Direct payment would be a better option. There will be less speeding, no overloading, and rush to overtake fellow drivers for the sole purpose of competition. The government buses will also discourage school children from bus riding.’