STOP THE HATE ON OUR YELLOW BUSES

(A COURTESY CAMPAIGN).

The Lagos yellow commercial buses popularly called Danfo are a major component of the Lagos public transport industry. Figures state that there are close to 1000 of these buses on the streets of Lagos. They serve as the easiest, cheapest and fastest way to move about in the city of Lagos; indeed Lagos is not complete without the blasting horns and the screeching sounds of the Danfo.

The Danfos represent a sweet –bitter part of the life of the Lagosian. On one hand, these buses provide a source of entertainment for the Lagosian, on those bus rides you could catch up with the latest gist, gossips and happenings in the city of Lagos. Clearly the Lagos yellow buses have become part and parcel of Lagos life and indeed a strong component of Lagos tourism.

However sadly due to neglect and a breakdown of moral value in our society, our beloved yellow buses have become the grounds for some of the most lawless expressions of the outright disregard for courtesy, respect and human empathy. It is rare to get on these buses and not have a first hand experience of cursing, swearing, verbal abuses and in most cases physical fighting between passengers, driver and conductor over the most flimsy of issues. On those bus rides the slightest issues of change collection, shifting for other passengers etc can escalate into a declaration of war.

 Many have lost their lives, become badly injured OR emotionally hurt. It makes me wonder why Nigerians choose to treat themselves with absolute disregard for the feelings of his/her fellow man. We have to change these trends and help restore courtesy and the respect for human dignity once again on these buses, let’s show the world and ourselves that we are truly a peace loving, respectful and considerate people. If you use the yellow bus, I urge you today to join in STOPPING THE HATE ON OUR YELLOW BUSES; it starts with choosing to conduct yourself in the most civil manner. If you change and I change, then our bus rides will be safe, friendly and a worthwhile experience.