Drivers: “The Bus Business Is Becoming a Non-Profitable Business”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Public bus drivers took their fight to the streets, shutting down public transportation after saying the minister failed to show up for their scheduled meeting.

Ezra Strachan – Public Bus Driver

“It’s hard. The bus business is now becoming a non-profitable business. We’re basically just riding around assisting people.”

Last Thursday, union leaders told Our News they were hoping to meet with Transport Minister Leon Lundy on Tuesday, October 27, seeking a 50-cent fare increase to bring adult fares to two dollars as diesel prices climb above eight dollars.

But Lundy was a no-show, and drivers say they have had enough. For driver Tim Burnside, the struggle goes beyond fuel costs. It is about working from sunup to sundown and still struggling to get by.

Tim Burnside – Public Bus Driver

“You have to give your children this, you have to put food in your house. Why is it that only the politicians could live and the politician coolies, huh? Why the regular Bahamian can’t live?”

And for Solomon Gibson, who has been in the bus business for more than 20 years, the rising cost of parts and repairs is adding to the burden.

Solomon Gibson – Public Bus Driver

“The service parts, that’s another price, then the mechanic cost is another price, so it’s like you only working just to keep the bus.”

As hundreds of commuters were left stranded and struggling to get around, drivers acknowledged the inconvenience but said they cannot continue operating at a loss.

Ezra Strachan – Public Bus Driver

“We have a lot of regular customers that we feel sorry for. We want to apologize to you guys who catch our buses on a normal basis. You have the kids walking to the school. We don’t want to have this happening, but it’s not fair to us.”

In a statement released by Lundy, he expressed disappointment over the sick-out, insisting he had not ignored the drivers’ concerns. A meeting is now scheduled for one o’clock Friday, with the union saying drivers will stand down pending their discussions with the minister.

But when asked whether more walkouts could follow if drivers do not get the response they want, President of the United Public Transportation Company Harrison Moxey had this response.

Harrison Moxey – President, United Public Transportation Company

“That depends on what we eat. If the government wants to feed us 50 cents, I think we’ll be feeling very well.”