Public Transport Is A Test Of Patience And Endurance

Ike Vavi
Correspondent | Monday June 14, 2010 00:00

 

Onnet Mkhize of Bulawayo is concerned about the behaviour of some of the passengers. 'The behaviour of some of the passengers leaves much to be desired and makes the use of public transport a nightmare,' she says.

She argues that some passengers forget that public transport is there for all and should be used such that it fully benefits all those who use it. She maintains that at times an individual will stop a taxi or a combi and he or she will take their time to get in.

'They do not even make the attempt to hurry to get in the taxi despite the fact that other passengers are already in the taxi or combi and might be delayed. Somebody would just decide to walk at a snail's pace because of the 'I am paying him or her mentality',' she laments.

She takes a swipe at the 'I am paying' mentality that she says is causing havoc and negatively erodes any traces of comfort that public transport can provide. 'People are misled by this unfortunate attitude.  They forget that public transport has to be shared and that even those passengers that you might be delaying through walking at a snail's pace are also paying the same price that you are paying,' she argues.

Commuters who get into the taxi or combi and begin a very long conversation on the phone turn off Onalethata Mosweu of Serowe.

'Some people will come into the taxi and start chatting loudly and even have the courage to laugh loudly and endlessly disturbing the peace and tranquilly that is in there,' she says.

The adds that at times such a conversation is punctuated by the use of vulgar words. 'At times this person will be swearing and uttering unpalatables that are unfortunately heard by everybody in the taxi,' she complains.

She reveals that at times the conversations are a reflection of somebody's arrogance. 'Some passengers will be boasting on the phone and will even forget where they are supposed to alight. They will at times pass their intended stops and start complaining that the driver did not stop where they were supposed to drop them. It is really frustrating as the poor driver will at times engage in an argument and eventually go back to drop this person,' she says.

She is worried by those who will eat in the taxi despite the plea not to by drivers. 'Some will just decide to have their meals in the taxi or combi. Just imagine the smell of Kentucky Fried Chicken or Chicken Licken that will engulf the air in the taxi as soon as they start enjoying their food. At times the pieces will fall on these very seats that are to be used by other passengers. Some even leave cans of soft drinks and boxes in the taxis and buses,' she reveals.

Mosweu also laments the fact that at times some passengers do not cooperate and trigger uncalled for arguments even over very small issues.

'At times if you are riding in the back of a taxi and you are in the middle seat, those who are on the sides will usually try to be funny when you want to get off. They might argue over which side you are supposed to use to get off,' she says.

For Mma Mosadi, there is nothing disappointing than a passenger who will take long to pay the fare. 'Some passengers will get off the taxi; take out their luggage before finally taking a few minutes to search through their pockets for the money to pay. This whole process unfortunately delays other passengers who are in the taxi,' she laments

He advises that passengers must learn to appreciate the fact that public transport is to be used by all, and they must be seen to be benefiting all the users.

'It is the responsibility of all the passengers to ensure that we make the use of public transport as fulfilling as possible for everybody. Passengers must stop terrorising each other,' she pleads.