In my Lagos, public transportation is a nightmare.
I have lived in Lagos for close to fifteen years now.
When I first came to Lagos, it was really stressful and scary for me.
Crossing the road and trying to take a bus was a big deal that I usually dread
Most times I plan to visit my friends but I end up not going anywhere because I would take a public transport and I don't want the stress of chasing a danfo.
There was a day I went for an interview at Allen avenue, While returning home, my friend asked me to pass through Agege just to beat the traffic at Ikeja. So, we went. On getting to Agege, she went her way and directed me to where I would get a bus. I started trekking down to the bus stop to get a bus home when someone dragged me out of the rail track before I could realize what was going on, the train passed and I realized that the person that draged me out of the road, just saved my life.
I didn't realize I was walking on the railroad. I haven't gotten over it till date. So, since then, I don't walk anywhere near the rail track again.
To the prompt of today, about my experience with public transport.
When I finally got a job in Lagos, I started adjusting to the early morning and evening rush, I started learning how to chase a bus and I also learnt to always remember to collect my change from the conductor.
This faithful day, I borded a bus going to Ikeja under bridge, and my fare was two hundred and fifty naira. I paid five hundred naira and was to collect two hundred and fifty naira balance. I asked for it but the conductor promised to give me. When I asked the second time, he started complaining that he would give me the balance but I shouldn't disturb him.
I was angry at him but I couldn't insult him because I don't know how to and I also don't want him to insult me the way he has been insulting other passengers in the bus both young and old.
I had just six hundred naira with me that morning. Two hundred and fifty naira to get to under bridge, fifty naira to get to Agidingbi and the same amount back home.
He refused to give me my balance until we got to Ikeja. When the bus stopped for passengers that wants to highlight, there is usually a rush at this time because the bus may move at anytime so passengers always try to get down as fast as they could.
I quickly went to him for my balance when I got down because he was giving others. The bus was about moving when he gave me seventy naira. Before I could say Jack the bus moved and he jumped on.
I stood on the spot transfixed. I couldn't say anything. I felt cheated. Immediately I remembered that the money with me can't get me home, I just started crying silently. I have not even gotten my first salary yet. My brother still gives me my transport fare everyday. I get to eat a free lunch at work everyday. It was a very sad day for me. I had to borrow two hundred naira from my colleague to get back home.
This is my response to Hive learners community weekly featured contents on the topic Public transport.
Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate you.
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Yours truly 