Why can’t a small country like this provide reliable, safe public transportation?

Dear Editor,

Many commuters in Guyana for many years have been experiencing transportation difficulties both going to work and returning home in the evening.

Those most affected live on the East and West Banks of Demerara, as well as the corresponding coasts.

Years ago we had the railway system as well as large buses, but the population was smaller.

Now we have minibuses or vans and a few big buses, but many persons own cars and motor cycles and there is a large fleet of hire cars or taxis.

This is commendable but certainly inadequate for workers in the rush hour.  Other categories of travellers that are seriously affected are schoolchildren and elderly persons, as well as the differently abled.

Guyanese are among the most travelled citizens in the world, and many live permanently in the metropolitan cities of London, New York and Toronto which are inhabited by millions.  They know you can depend on public transportation to take you to and from work on time. Why can’t we with our tiny population provide reliable, efficient and safe transportation?

Every developing country must lay emphasis on a well-regulated, properly organized and dependable transportation system for all citizens on all occasions: work, national events, tours, excursions, social engagements.  The government and traffic department should ensure that roads are maintained to provide safety to commuters. Traffic laws need to be strict and enforced.

Finally, Guyana is a large country and the land of many waters. Hence, there is great scope for the expansion of services on water and for air transport.

Yours faithfully,
Malcolm Clarke