Authorities have taken action against the driver of a yellow Toyota Hiace bus that overturned inside the Pechon Street Transport Centre this week, injuring two men. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the driver has been held accountable and was found to have several outstanding warrants at the time of the crash.
The driver is now facing multiple charges, including driving in a manner dangerous to the public, failing to ensure the safety of passengers, and allowing body protrusion while the vehicle was in motion.
In the aftermath of the incident, debate has intensified around the operation of the yellow minibuses commonly known as “vibes buses.” These buses, which operate mainly out of downtown Kingston, are popular among students and young commuters for their loud music and high-energy atmosphere. While many passengers view the experience as entertaining, critics have long warned that the culture surrounding these buses poses serious public safety risks, particularly for schoolchildren.
Residents pushing the yellow Hiace bus back on its wheels
A conductor who works on another yellow bus placed much of the blame on student passengers, arguing that their preferences have encouraged reckless driving. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said the culture developed because many students deliberately seek out buses known for speed, loud music and excitement, often ignoring safer options.
“The students now, a that them want,” the conductor said, explaining that it is common to see students waiting specifically for certain buses even when others are available. He argued that this demand has helped normalise dangerous behaviour on the roads.
According to the conductor, some buses have developed reputations that attract large groups of students, creating pressure on drivers to meet those expectations. He also noted that some students who are uncomfortable with the high-energy environment still feel forced to accept it, as certain drivers reportedly refuse to carry passengers who do not support the “vibes.”
Despite his criticism of passenger behaviour, the conductor acknowledged that drivers must ultimately be held responsible for safety. He said that while loud music is played on the bus he works on, reckless manoeuvres such as swerving are not tolerated—behaviour that the overturned Hiace bus was reportedly engaging in before the crash.
He added that his employer strictly prohibits such conduct. Meanwhile, a veteran bus operator with more than 40 years of experience said the behaviour of these minibuses is nothing new. Speaking to the Jamaica Star, he said he has witnessed similar risky practices for decades, describing the conduct as unnecessary and dismissing it as “pure idleness.”
Leave a Reply