There are some images that have stuck in my head from the time I was about thirteen/fourteen-years-old. Traveling home one day on the East Coast public road from school in the city, I witnessed the aftermath of an accident where at least two minibuses were involved. No child should see what I saw that day– bodies mutilated as if there was never any value to their physical forms, and pools of red that would stain the memories of many for years. About six people died in that accident and, of course, I had nightmares for months after. From that time, I developed a fear when traveling in minibuses, especially on the East Coast public road.
Today, I question if much has changed from then to now, where our minibus culture is concerned. It is a culture that involves speeding, overloading, loud music, overcharging passengers and uncouth drivers and conductors. Sadly, the answer is no. As a matter of fact, if anything, it has gotten worse.
This isn’t true of all minibuses however. Daily, for the most part, I travel in minibuses that are quiet and go at a moderate speed with pleasant drivers and conductors. But the reason I experience this regularly is because I now carefully select which buses I travel in. If I see you speeding towards me, it’s a no.
