By: Santiago Romero, MSc.

Go, go, go…

 The voice of the so-called “machacante” or collector of trucks and vans often leaves passengers uncertain about who is in charge. These means of transportation are always in a hurry, and fares have skyrocketed from 1 peso to 5, then to 10, 20, and now even 30 or 50 pesos per person, regardless of the destination.

“Will I make it there alive?” asks a woman, and everyone on board looks at her with concern. Only one or two people suggest “moderation” in the speed of a vehicle that consistently exceeds the passenger limits established by traffic regulations.

 The most concerning issue is the absence of the so-called “caballitos,” or motorized traffic agents of the National Revolutionary Police. In these instances, the same question I raised regarding the irregularities in the services provided by the new economic actors persists, both at the stop and during the journey.

Where are the inspectors?

The marked interest arises from numerous daily irregularities and complaints from the public, particularly regarding the role of traffic inspectors, who regulates them? Why a minor level of oversight, where they are supposedly present, fails to identify many anomalies?

Suddenly, an inspector appears and orders the driver to stop, requesting the driver, but excludes the “machacante”; the driver winks, and abruptly, the tone and volume of the conversation changes, because it is already at intimate level, taking place inside the cabin of the truck. An unexpected laugh puts an end to the supposed “control” and they proceed as if nothing has happened. The journey continues with overweight passengers, children who can barely hold on, grandmothers on the verge of falling because no one offers them a seat, and an increasingly aggressive atmosphere.

Inside, there is steam, sweat, and unapologetic footsteps,with loud reggaeton as the truck speeds ahead to get there first.

The complaints will undoubtedly resurface in the next constituency meetings with the delegate, before so many intentional short-sightednesses. Those responsible for addressing these and other irregularities simply “do nothing”; on the contrary, they often accept bribes of various kinds. Among the most concerning issues are the lack of updates on legal matters, misunderstandings, illogical reasoning, and contradictions that arise in certain cases when specific documentation is requested.

In the case of motorcycles, the issue of pricing and the speed of many riders is their ego over the safety of their passengers. Furthermore, after 5:30 PM, the cost of a ride is outrageous; in other words, as it gets darker, the fare for the trip increases. If you have an emergency, regardless of its nature, it will be prohibitively expensive to go to a specific location, even if the distance is short.  

On the way home, the worst happens, it is already late, and there is no available transportation. This creates an opportune moment for motorcyclists and car drivers without license or with outdated documentation, all of them can be dealt with by a hefty payment from your pocket. The road is increasingly desolate, and the sound of the exhaust pipe is jarring. Close your eyes and stay alert; danger lurks nearby…