Readers’ reactions

Police issue warning amid planned disruptions by public transport operators

“Taxi operators get a raw deal. Most of them are decent, hard-working people but are stigmatised because of the behaviour of the minority. Funny how we buy our expensive vehicles, and forget how we got to school, how our parents got to work, how the sick got to the hospital, etc. Most town centres have no suitable areas for them to park and police target them. It’s a very risky job that exposes them directly to criminals. It’s not very rewarding due to low fares, high fuel costs, poor road conditions, expensive service and maintenance costs. A very important job, yet most look down on them, referring to them as “dutty taxi bwoy”, among other colourful names; but still they continue to hit the roads before daybreak to get the nation moving.”

– @_khrys_i

“The audacity. I hope @indrive.jm and @uber_jamaica are able to provide services in these remote parishes, as we obviously need options rather than be held at ransom like this. Whoever thought to do this strike right now is some duppy bat. All you are doing is showing your irrelevance and the reasons for ride-sharing apps.”

– @itztoni_tones

“Safe roads today. Didn’t have to slam on the brake once because three taxis speed through a red light.”

– @davidson123djt

“This is not good at all for the people. SMH. We have given these taxi operators too much power, enu.”

– @willryanwilson

“Plan ahead with what necessary arrangements? Is not everybody drive! Is not everybody have a friend who is available with a car to assist! The bus service is NOT reliable, either! If only there was a way to use private ride-sharing!”

– @neka_only

“So, to those folks blaming the minister, let me ask you this. How many of these bus and taxi drivers have outstanding tickets and have met in deadly accidents, killing off our loved ones all because they hate law and order? Can a man be ticketed if he commits no offence? What are the criteria to have your licence suspended?

When a bus or car goes way over the speed limit, crashes and kills our loved ones, where are the other operators to protest against reckless driving? We live in a nation where lawlessness is more accepted than actually doing what’s right. I will not support such nonsense.

The police should use this time to check these drivers for outstanding tickets and see how many have warrants out.

Listen [out] today, if the taxi and busmen come off the road for an entire day, if there are any reports of accidents.”

– @yettiboss7

Readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s Instagram page. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel.