Allow me space to add my voice to concerns and the growing public outcry about the manner in which passengers are treated by some apprentices and taxi drivers on our highways nowadays.

Passengers suffer countless forms of mistreatment at the hands of both the drivers and apprentice. It is now becoming a daily occurence for one to find commercial vehicles in a filthy conditions with very poor ventilation on our roads.

 Just jump on some of those vehicles they call vans, which ply between Bakau and Serrekunda and you will discover what I am talking about. Moreover, travel with some vans from Serrekunda to Brikama or from Brikama to Gunjur and you will feel like vomitting because of the filth and the discomfort you are exposed to. There are others who ply between Serrekunda to provincial regions in the South Bank of the country.

This reveals to me that these drivers are only interested in profiteering at the expense of passengers. As far as I know, the comfort of passengers is not their priority. All what they think about and want to gain at all cost are the fares.

Most of these vehicles are not roadworthy and produce thick smoke which is inimical to the maintenance of a healthy environment. This really poses a threat to the safety of passengers, as drivers and apprentice often force people to squeeze together in tight spaces like sardines. If we are really serious about road safety, we should look at all elements that tend to endanger it.

These are really irritating and I think it is high time we call these commercial drivers and their assistances to order. How can people pay for a service, when they are not enjoying the full value of their money. Where are we heading to? This should be an eye-opener to the relevant authorities, including the transport unions to reorganise the system. There must be standards and I think the people also have a role to play.
Alagie Manneh
Bakau