Jitney Passengers Speak Out Amid Rising Concerns Over Safety

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – From reckless overtaking to erratic stops, residents say some jitney drivers are putting both passengers and other road users at risk. And after a string of recent incidents, they’re calling for stricter enforcement and accountability behind the wheel.

Resident frustration over jitney behavior

Resident
“The system is very terrible and they drive recklessly trying to kill each other for 25 cents. Racing on the road and bad driving. Government need to do something about them. Police watching them straight through.”

This resident voiced growing frustration over the state of the public transportation system, particularly the behavior of some jitney drivers.

In recent weeks, reckless driving and unprofessional conduct have come under fire. Shocking videos obtained by Our News this week show what appears to be two bus drivers engaged in a physical fight outside a business. Another video captures the aftermath of what seems to be a dangerous race between two jitneys.

These frequent riders, who asked to remain anonymous, say incidents like these are far too common. For them, it’s become part of the daily commute.

Resident
“It was terrible. It’s very terrible. I was afraid. Coming here just now.”

Resident
“They don’t take their time to drive. As soon as you before you can even sit down, like if a bus ever next bus is behind them, they speeding off before you even sit down properly. They don’t make sure you, you safe. They racing them one another. When you say bus stop, they, they don’t hear you.”

But for these residents, their jitney experience hasn’t been all bad.

Resident
“Number 8 isn’t okay… there are some bad drivers, but the bus I take they aren’t so bad.”

Holland Griffin, resident
“Some of the drivers really get outta hand. Some do stupid things. The majority of them, they drive. Nice.”

The bad behavior and the reckless driving of some jitney drivers have been criticized for decades, with residents now calling for the need for reformation.

Resident
“What they have to do? Take out plenty of these young guys, them off these 15 road them, give them uniform and properly dress.”

Reginald Johnson, resident
“They would probably have to step up the enforcement, more road traffic inspectors on the road to ensure that these buses are compliant with the road of the road.”