We all know, having lived in Jamaica, that the transport system in this tiny island is unpredictable, annoying and at times leads you to the brink of insanity. Whether you are an avid bus/cab commuter or you seldom ‘take bus’, we have all experienced the native features of our transport system that have become synonymous with Jamaican culture.

1.      Am I the only one who hates when preachers preach on the bus? Don’t get me wrong, being a Christian myself I am greatly appreciative of the good news most of them deliver. However, there are times when I would experience a long day at school or I’m having a serious headache and suddenly you hear “Praise the Lord everybody” and you know your day has just gotten worse. Though there are claims that preaching on JUTC buses was banned sometime ago, these brave warriors of Christ soldier on and continue to spread the gospel and in most cases, acquire any spare change we may have.

2.      How much of a coincidence is it that whenever you’re late the bus you went takes forever to arrive? It is somewhat of an innate feature for Jamaicans to be late that has been carried over into public transport. Nothing, and I repeat, nothing is more frustrating than this. Standing for sometimes hours at the bus stop and still no bus! No wonder some Jamaicans now prefer to take taxis.

3.      Those taxis are another story. The stereotype that most of them failed to attain a proper education as the reason for them turning to the profession is often exemplified in their strenuous efforts to get the full amount of passengers as quickly as possible. “One and ready!” is often belted from these men at taxi stands and can be the best thing to hear as a patron, especially if you are in a rush. But be careful to not get your hopes up too much because this is not often the case as you will soon find out.

4.      It can often turn deadly when entering a bus in Jamaica. Jamaicans are known to be impatient and when you’re tired and hungry I guess that’s a plausible excuse to be. The pushing and the fighting just to enter a bus that most times has enough seats to accommodate everyone, is another undesirable feature of the Jamaican transport system. This type of scene is also an excellent space for your average Jamaican pickpocket. While battling your way up into the bus you may be forgiven for not realizing a hand going in your handbag or pocket until you’ve comfortably sat in your seat and notice that something is missing. So if you’re like me, the next time you are taking a bus, just step back and watch the chaos unfold. 

5.      Not only are they reckless, boisterous and the occasional venue for idling students after school but coasters are also known for one more thing here in Jamaica. In contrast to the taxi man who’ll eventually need just one more passenger, the coaster always seems to have room for more people, or so the conductors insist. The coaster is never full and even if the bus has to be driven with the door open to accommodate the large quantity of passengers inside then it will be done. It is also hilarious the way in which most of them pretend to be driving off to lure impatient commuters who inevitably end up annoyed and still at the terminus.