Most Times, I Find Public Transportation Very Challenging-- How About You?

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In my area, a lot of people who have cars abandoned them for a while when fuel price rose to what it is now. Everyone expected a change in price or an improvement in their lives. But when they waited for long and nothing better was in sight, people began to use their cars, although rationing how they use it due to fuel consumption.

Fuel scarcity or price increase has affected every aspect of our lives. People now prefer to use public transport than driving themselves. Driving oneself is safe, fun and convenient. But when it is not economical, public transport becomes desirable. Although public transport is cheaper than driving oneself, this post discusses the challenges of public transport. This is in response to @hivelearners first edition prompt for this week.

BAD VEHICLES

Another one I took sometimes had problem of the engine overheating. The driver was practically stopping at every village to beg people for water to pour into the radiator cap. It was very terrible.

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Sometimes we talk about bad road but it is also important to mention the condition of the vehicles. Many vehicles used for public transportation are bad. Some drivers do not put the vehicles in good shape. I was traveling on a public transport one time and the vehicle had no horn. For a journey of four to five hours, the driver never horned to overtake another driver. He was moving the car so slowly and avoided anything that would make him horn. I can't remember how many times we almost had rear-end collision with other vehicles because he overtook the vehicles without any horn to signal his intention, unknowing to him, those other vehicles had obstacles or pot holes in front of them and wanted to move into the same lane he too was already entering.

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CARELESS DRIVING

I almost lost my life one year that I went for a meet up in Ibadan. The driver was running so recklessly that all my advises to slow down fell on deaf ears, until one of the tires pulled off. Only God saved us. Even some passengers are worse than the driver. Those in the vehicle with me didn't see anything wrong with his reckless driving, some even encouraged him to run faster because they are travelling farther. But when the tire blew out and the driver lost control, veering off course, while trying his best to stabilize the car and bring it to a halt, their voices were the loudest shouting "Jesus, Jesus".

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INCREASE IN TRANSPORT FARE
The price of public transport has doubled, if not tripled. A few years ago, I travelled with N4,800 ( approx $3) to Delta State during the holidays to visit my Mum. But last year December, I paid N10,000 (above $6) per head. I travelled with my girls . N30,000 ( above $18) was spent to and from Delta State. Just imagine. This year, I didn't bother talking about traveling because I know it's very expensive. I just call and make video calls to my Mum.

INSECURITY ON THE ROAD
I don't know if it is better for everyone to remain in a place unless it is very necessary to travel by public transport. We have heard of different abductions when people are travelling. Although there are several check points where we find security officers protecting the road,

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but the fear of kidnapers has gripped most travellers.

A friend of mine was on her way with the family to a wedding outside their town last weekend. They had driven for 2½hrs but upon stopping by to see a friend, the friend told them to retreat from that journey because kidnapping is rampart on the way they were taking. That was how they abandoned the journey and instead called me up for a catch up and I was glad to see them again. We chatted and flexed very well and they returned to their home. See how they wasted fuel travelling for two hours, only to return home because the road is not safe.

They are lots of challenges with public transportation in my country. In order not to make this post to be too long, I rest my case.

POSSIBLE SOLUTION

• Fuel price should be reduced and fuel should become available.

• Drivers should put their vehicles in check and officers who check vehicles should ensure all the vehicles has, if they meet the criteria for road worthiness. They shouldn't be bribed to be blind towards those anomalies.

• Transport fare should be affordable. This depends largely on fuel price anyways

• Security agencies should protect travellers to avoid kidnapping.

Thanks guys for stopping by. It's always a pleasure having you around. How is your experience with public transportation? Are you still drive Everytime?

Yours always,
@adoore-eu