the fabled mini bus

Expect danger every time you decide to get into a taxi; but expect death in a small minivan. Maxi Taxis:

Imagine what happens when your body decelerates from 60-0 mph in two milliseconds. Now imagine a forest of rusty seat backs and a plate glass window in your way. Not pretty. I am sure you will never imagine yourself on one of these rickety, belching conveyances, but the first time you need to get from point A to B in countries where gum and deodorant are considered luxury items you will find yourself on a bus. I would have to say that after a few days of having my knees wrapped around my neck and old men drooling sound asleep on my should that the most dangerous form of travel in the developing world is the fabled mini bus. These are usually designed to haul a small family of four, but ingenuity and greed prevails, and some will pack up to 16 passengers in one minibus. The minibuses are used primarily for rush hour transportation of poor people to make their money by carrying as many people as many times as they can. The deadly driving style is a result of drivers who must make their money within two hours of rush hour in order to make a profit on their rental owner’s charge. A rough estimate pits the chances of a fatality in a mini bus at 30 times the normal US accident rate. So the next time you plunk down a quarter for on of these rides, consider how much you just sold your life for!

How to survive Minibuses:

Be friends with EVERYBODY. And by friends I don't mean in a walking target kind of way, but you get the drift.

Don’t travel at night. Many buses travel at night because it is way cooler and the road is less crowded. Drunks, rebels, livestock and hidden washouts all seem to be more prevalent at night. Local drivers also like to sleep at night, usually when they are behind the wheel.

Avoid mountainous roads. Fly if necessary.

Bring water with you

Ask whether the route goes through areas frequented by bandits.

Sit near an exit or on top, at least make sure that you are near an open window.

There is a reason why you paid 83 cents to travel. You don’t buy a lot of brake pads and clutches with that pocket change.

Your luggage is prey for rummagers, slashers, and thieves. Put your luggage in trash bags like everyone else, or at least under everyone elses.

Shirt slashers wait for you to doze off and slip out your money pouches. Put your money in your shoes if necessary.