Hello Hivers! How're we doing today?
I decided to share this post as a result of the experience I had while boarding a taxi today in Akure.
Akure is the capital of Ondo state in Western Nigeria.
The major type of transportation in Akure is via small uniformly painted taxis. Compared to other parts of the surrounding states, the cost of transportation is relatively low (as low as #50).
These taxis take up to 5 passengers at a time, three at the back and two in front.
Sometimes, one can get lucky to sit comfortably but other times its just the direct opposite.
Today, I boarded a taxi from the market back home and just happened to sit at the back of this small taxi in between two big women.
Two people were sitted in front with the driver so the vehicle was already full. I felt so trapped. The wasn’t proper air circulation, the weather was so hot and everywhere was just so hot.
Poor me…. I had to keep calm and patiently wait for one of the women to get down so I could sit properly. If I were to protest, those women were going to take it out on me for sure or even term me disrespectful and so I just had to relax.
I made a decision not to sit in front of those taxis because two people sitting together on that single chair beside the driver is just so much uncomfortable especially when one is sitting with a big sized person.
Now, ive realized even the back isn’t a guarantee for comfortability.
Typically, one would expect that with all the talks about covid 19 prevention, road transporters would take precautions but sadly that’s far from the case.
Sometimes, instead of three at the back, you'll find school children lapping themselves making 6 people at the back of a small taxi!
When people complain about things like this, you hear the driver telling the passenger to go buy their own car.
Another thing about this situation is that no matter how many people are parked liked sardines inside these small taxis, they still don’t remember to wear their nose masks. Sometimes, the side windows aren’t even wound down.
One might say, if its that bad why don’t you board a bike? But commercial bikes have their own downsides ranging from high cost to high risk. Risks that I'm not willing to take especially for long distances.
I'm not in any position to change this. No matter how bad it makes me feel, I can only rant like I am right now.
Like those drivers would say, if you don’t like it, get your own car. That’s an insensitive thing to say but I really can't wait to get my own vehicle so I can have my peace of mind and move around at my own convenience.
Is this how transportation is in your area?
Do you mind sharing?
Thanks so much for reading through….
See you in the next one!
