Public transport remains a constant danger to users. Proof of this: a taxi-be caused an involuntary homicide yesterday at Ambohidahy, at the exit of the Ralaimongo tunnel. Nine pedestrians found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were walking peacefully on the sidewalk when the taxi-be coming from behind struck them down. The exact cause of the accident remains unclear, given that the vehicle had no braking problems as was initially suggested. Of the nine injured, two died in hospital, including a firefighter who was heading home after his shift. The second victim is a woman whose identity is unknown. Two lives shattered, families devastated. The firefighter leaves behind a widow and three orphans whose future is compromised by this sudden loss.
This fatal accident once again exposes the laxity that prevails in public transport. Let's not mince words—it's the law of the jungle. At first glance, the driver failed to control his vehicle. Either he had no driver's license, or he was a former conductor promoted to driver without experience or driving skills. These are frequent cases. With corruption, one can easily obtain a driver's license even if they confuse the pedals and press the accelerator instead of the brake. The vehicle was suddenly propelled forward. The driver would have been surprised and the tragedy occurred. This is just one hypothesis among many. The fact is that some taxi-be drivers have physical disabilities. The same applies to freight transport. Evidence of this is what happens daily on RN2 towards Toamasina. Traffic is often blocked by the incivility and indiscipline of truck drivers who do as they please, showing no regard for traffic laws and basic driving rules. It's clear they obtained their licenses through illegal means. This is all the more true since heavy vehicle driving schools are rare, even non-existent in remote areas where there are no driving schools or examiners.
There is also the condition of vehicles operating in public transport. Some are in lamentable condition, worn out after thirty years of service, yet continue to be used even though they barely run. One wonders how they were ever allowed on the road when some are veritable wrecks. Drastic measures must be taken to stop the hemorrhage. Vehicles over 30 years old, whether taxis, taxi-be, or taxi-brousse, must be removed from public transport, if not from circulation altogether. The massacre must stop. Poverty must not be the "automobile of crime." Sentiment must not prevail in such decisions. It's good to see government officials rushing to support the injured, but it's better to spare the population from public trans…fear.