It has become a habit for politicians, especially parliamentarians, to give school buses acquired through NGCDF or one donated by well-wishers.
It, however, doesn’t mean that the pupils or students and their teachers are the only beneficiaries. The community in which the school is located are often happy because they have access to a cheaper alternative to travel for their social functions. This could be ruracio, graduation or wedding ceremonies and funerals, among others.
Cheap because they will probably only have to fuel the vehicle, pay the driver and pay the school management a small amount compared to the hiring such a bus form matatu operators, which is quite an expense. Some of these school buses are booked every weekend.
Unfortunately, we have in the past four weeks witnessed in the media a number of school buses being involved in road accidents mainly carrying civilians. As much as they are cheaper, available and convenient, it isn't safe to travel on school buses for long distances. The second group in the same category with school buses are the town service public service vehicle.
We have two categories of drivers — long and short distance driver. Driving is such a mental course, and familiarity and ability to withstand long hauls is what defines a long distance drivers .
The reason many school buses and town service PSVs are likely to cause accidents is because they are rarely on the steering wheel for long. They drive short distances of less that 100 kilometers and often get time to rest during the activities the students are involved in. So, their bodies aren't accustomed to long working hours.
I have been thinking about a case that happened in 2016, when my friend and I were traveling to Chemilil, Kisumu county.
We approached a transport sacco to hire a vehicle and they had to delay us as they were recalling the driver specifically designated to drive long distance. The Sacco didn't just offer as any driver but a designated driver for the long overnight journey. Why did the management do so? Your guess is as good as mine.
Now, who will tell our parents that school buses aren't that safest as compared to matatus or PSV buses? The reason I'll chose a PSV vehicle to any event over a school bus is because I know the driver is accustomed to long journey and familiarity to the route we are using.
During this festive season, we will see many town service vehicles plying different routes to serve the high number of travellers to rural areas. It is my hope that transport companies will have designated drivers who understand long distance driving and are experience at that so us to avoid road accidents.
It would thus be advisable to hire from reputable public transport companies and saccos such as Easy Coach, Tulaga, 4NTE, 2NK and Matunda, of course among others, for a safe long-distance ride
