Dear Editor,

Another fatal minibus crash and this time the Titchfield High School family is slumped in mourning after the loss of one of its own.

The bloodstains on the 15-seater minibus tell the tale of the horror the occupants endured as it tumbled down a ravine at Black Hill, Portland, carrying almost double its maximum capacity.

There are now calls being made for the Transport Authority to target the drivers of ‘shotta’ buses (Coasters and minibuses) who are seen as ‘road hogs and bullies’. The call is also made for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company to service the routes overrun by these buses, especially to transport children.

The Coaster and minibus nuisance is not limited to Portland, and if there were awards for dirty-driving buses, the downtown to Seaview (#35), downtown to Waterhouse (#81), and Half-Way-Tree to Spanish Town buses would drive away with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies, respectively. These buses are nuisance personified — loud, lewd music, breaking traffic lights, U-turns in the middle of the road, conductors hanging out bus doors, racing with other buses, overtaking long lines of traffic, bad driving, threatening other motorists, and a host of other traffic offences.

The sad reality of the situation is that the reckless-driving buses are our children’s favourites. The buses are very attractive, with beautiful designs, drawings, multiple flashy lights, heavy tint, and music. They allow sitting in laps and sometimes have a different fare structure and routes to avoid traffic and the authorities.

Child month has ended, but the protection of our children continues. Transport Authority, the ball in is your court.

Hezekan Bolton

h_e_z_e@hotmail.com