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Ever wonder why City Hall seems so completely incapable of reforming the city bus system despite the continued carnage of accidents and injuries by reckless drivers, and the endless train of pollution spewing busses still clogging all of Puerto Vallarta, not only the quaint old streets of downtown Centro and the Romantic Zone?
It would seem that year after year, more un-need bus route permits are granted at the State level, often as thank you gifts for political favors. These permits, once granted at little cost to the government office that bestows it, cannot be revoked and therefore represent a significant value that can be bought and sold and can only cancelled if repurchased by the government. Perhaps this also explains why City Hall cannot seem to effectively impose safety regulations including regular inspections of the vehicles to ensure there are no jagged holes in the metal floors, or seats missing or about to collapse and fully functioning and accessible exit buzzers, doors and windows. Let us not forget regulating the drivers with a more stringent licensing system ensuring that all drivers must demonstrate that they not only posses the skills to safely operate a bus, but also a responsible attitude towards the safe transport of live cargo. This of course means strict penalties and loss of their permits for failing to do so.
The City must find a way to work with the State to limit and reduce the number of buses plying each route and regulate the schedule of stops. Riders should be able to purchase a one week or one month city bus pass at a savings that can be used on any bus on any route throughout that period. Random users should be able to pay for a one hour pass that would allow them to connect with other buses, paying only once to get to their destination. This would remove the current dangerous incentive for bus drivers to compete for fares, racing other buses to the next stop. The existing system or lack thereof, is intrinsically dangerous, putting passengers including women, often trying to hold onto their small children, in danger every time they board a bus. Most people, with no alternative, must ride these dangerous buses. Any costs related to increased enforcement and regulation could be borne by the bus companies or underwritten by the many fines that would inevitably be imposed.
James Hunter – Editor
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