Public transport becoming a problem

Yanna Smith
Vapeni Josia



Ten years ago, getting from one place to another by means of public transport was considered to be the fastest and easiest way to travel. It was thus sufficient and safe, as well as affordable.

Anyone at any time could get into a taxi or onto a municipal bus, without worrying too much about the cost and time taken to get to your destination.

This was done at any day or time, without the fear of one's safety or security. Now people would rather live in the fast lane than actually be safe.

The question is: How can we change the current situation of “time is money' to the phrase “don't rush or you'll be crushed'?

As a student, it has been a struggle to get to school on time in the mornings. I would wake up as early as possible each and every single day with the hope that I would reach school early, as the earlier you are the better chance you have of not being deprived of public transport.

Unfortunately, the same pattern occurs whereby I would arrive late on every attempt. This struggle is not only mine but that of everyone living in Windhoek.

The roads have become so congested that even those owning vehicles find it difficult to get to work or drop off their children at school.

The issue is simply becoming highly complex due to the large number and variety of traffic.

We have a limited transport infrastructure and the rapid increase in motor vehicle ownership and poor public transport services also act as contributing factors.

Nowadays many people have access to cars better known locally as 'Dankie Botswanas' and later transform them into taxis.

The reality is that there is nothing wrong with trying to earn money or making a living, but this has increased the rate of unlicensed drivers on Namibian roads. Furthermore, the growing traffic congestion has caused paralysis in the daily lives of Namibians.

The amount of time spent on the road has become so unbearable during morning and early evening hours. Most taxi drivers have become less considerate.

Working to serve the public has become something of the past. They are more concerned about their own interests and financial benefits and making quick money is everything.

The public's wants and needs are simply disregarded. Taxi drivers on Namibian roads have become impatient and their way of serving the members of the public has become utterly ridiculous.

The municipal buses are organised in terms of a fixed timetable. They are a good public transport service, which offers transport to the less fortunate that live miles away from their workplaces.

In addition, they are also a disadvantage to the very same people being offered this service. What I mean is that people have to wake up quite early to catch a bus.

Usually they are required to walk long distances from home to the nearest bus stop. This at times puts their safety at risk. Often their failure to arrive on time will cause them to miss the bus and eventually arrive late due to having to wait for another bus. How will this than be solved? The government should perhaps consider building subways like those in China.

Moreover, taxi drivers and drivers should be encouraged to serve the public's needs first and ensure their safety, rather than their own interests.

Lastly, government should improve accessibility to public transport.

I strongly agree that we can make our transport systems work efficiently if we all work together.



*Vapeni Josia is a student at Nust. She loves playing chess, reading and writing.