Tips for the commuting public

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As we stand for long hours awaiting the best and most reliable form of public transportation, here are some tips for commuters across the island to make the waiting bearable:

1. Consider wearing comfortable shoes.

2. Do on-the-spot exercises.

3. Invest in a strong, low-cost fold-up chair to sit when necessary.

4. Have water and a snack handy.

5. Ensure you have medications close at hand and identification in case of emergencies.

6. Be on the lookout for those attempting to scam or rob you. Shift places occasionally, etc.

7. Use the time to call friends, prepare lists of activities, a to-do list, etc.

8. The long waits have seen the rise of many preachers who provide interesting and spirit-led diversions, so give a listening ear.

9. Reduce the number of bags you travel with, so that you are not prey; but don’t forget important items like bank cards, travel card, ID, etc.

10. Write letters to your transportation providers to improve the service.

11. Implore government to provide shaded/covered areas for commuters using public transportation, particularly in the downtown district in Kingston.

12. Consider video journalling, doing a diary or writing prayers, a novel, etc, if your wait for a bus could be as long as three hours.

13. Students should make use of time waiting by doing homework and revising what they have learnt throughout the day.

14. Buses are not always reliable, so everyone must have a plan to car pool and most staff buses should accommodate children of employees to be taken to school.

15. Parents should explore providing their own transportation for children. A large number of students returning to school have never experienced face-to-face learning or travelling on public transportation. They will need time to know how to navigate that landscape.

16. The JUTC can use the large spaces for advertising and increase revenue. There could be live videos with educational information for the public.

17. A medical centre needs to be installed at the Half-Way Tree Transportation Centre with counselling stations and homework kiosks.

18. Members of parliament and councillors should help support public transport with funding to take taxis for their constituents, along with arranging for shuttle buses for students and the elderly.

CATHERINE NEIL