THE EDITOR, Sir:
I RECENTLY came back from Guadalajara, Mexico after spending 6 weeks out of 12. One of my main reasons for shortening this visit was the manner in which the public transportation system operates.
At this point, I must commend the various groups in Jamaica who lobby with government to make sure that the disabled blind and especially the physically challenged and elderly are treated with care and respect on our public transport.
During my stay in Mexico, I had to, on a few occasions, use the buses. My observation of this service is that it is very reliable and the fare structure reasonable.
However, I was mainly concerned with how they treat the blind, elderly, children and the disabled like myself. I travelled on them three times and tried not to be the only person entering and also not to be the last to exit. When entering, the driver does not wait until one has maintained some amount of balance before he moves off. Likewise, when exiting.
Behind the driver, there are two reserved seats which are specifically marked. Able-bodied passengers do sit in them and I would imagine that if someone say, enters with a baby, the seat would be vacated. I saw an elderly man, who appeared to have had a stroke, enter the bus struggling to get on, maintaining his balance with one hand and at the same time trying to hand the driver his fare while the bus was in motion. He had to walk to the back presumably to get a seat while the reserved ones were occupied.
The drivers control everything. Therefore, passengers who need assistance will just have to ask other passengers or fend for themselves. Luckily for me, the few times I used the buses, they were not very crowded and I managed to find a comfortable seat.
Despite Jamaica's reputation abroad, we do have a good transportation system. In the past, there were days when travelling on our buses was agonising and fearful, especially during peak hours. Now, I can travel without fear and the time of day doesn't matter because seats are reserved for the disabled. Keep looking after us, Jamaica.
I am etc.,
LESMA ELOISE COOTE
lecoote@yahoo.com
446(5) Gloxinia Way
Eltham Park, Phase 1
Spanish Town
St. Catherine
