PUBLIC transport has its advantages and disadvantages but mostly the latter for me.
I detest having to use it, especially in the mornings when I am dressed for work, perfumed and trying not to let sand get into my shoes.
On one such occasion, as I stepped into the mini-bus that stopped for me, at the wave of my hand, I realised it was already full to capacity. But the conductor, rudely, ordered the other passengers to do a little ‘shake down’ to accommodate me.
To my discomfort, after a few minutes, I discovered the man sitting next to me had not used any deodorant and the woman on the other side had, apparently, not washed her hair for some time.
The unpleasant odours emanating from them were overwhelming but I had to endure the ordeal because I had to be at my workplace by a certain time.
I was very pleased when I reached my destination on Ramhit Road (formerly Public Road) Kitty outside the gas station, where I met a rather friendly conductor of a route 30 mini-bus, who greeted me with a ‘good morning’ and quietly asked if I was heading in his direction.
After I replied in the affirmative, he took my bag and assisted me to enter the vehicle, leaving me a bit surprised by his pleasant attitude. I observed him for a few minutes because I thought he was just ‘hitting on me’ but I, subsequently, convinced myself that he was, indeed, a well-mannered man, willing to assist passengers, displaying a cute smile and revealing nice teeth.
I must admit the drive was much more comfortable than the previous one from East Coast Demerara and, on paying the courteous conductor in the not overloaded bus, he flashed the same smile when collecting the fare.
Another of my experiences, not very memorable, was one I had after joining a route 44 carrier marked ‘Killer’. After I took my sat inside, I suspected something was amiss and loud rap music sounded from several speakers.
A few minutes elapsed before I detected that the driver and the conductor were both under the influence of alcohol and the evidence was a few empty Guinness bottles on the floor.
Both seemed to be enjoying themselves as they yelled ‘Melanie’, ‘Victoria’. But I suddenly became scared and asked to be let off. As I disembarked the vehicle, much to the annoyance of some passengers, I knew I did the right thing.
Later, I heard that the very bus was involved in an accident and, silently, offered a prayer of thanks and waited for  some time before I felt ready to embark another minibus.
There are also some positive things about public transport. One is that it allows you the opportunity to observe people while they chat along the way and you learn old time gossip, in which everybody seems to know what everyone else has done.
I, often, sit still and listen, although, at times, I am eager to interject, especially if the subject is someone or people I know.
One time, I was in this mini-bus and the music was so loud I wanted to know if it was my heart beating out of control or it was just a figment of my imagination. So, to be certain, I asked the driver to stop and he was very upset that I got off.
Mind you, he braked in the middle of the road for me after using a few expletives accompanied by some crude remarks about me. I pretended not to hear and quickly walked away.
It is not always pleasant to travel by public transport. There was an instance when a conductor and I ended up at a Police station, as I wanted to make sure he never disrespects another passenger.
I saw the same young man a few times after the incident and he acknowledged my presence by addressing me as ‘Miss’.