By Bisola Bello
The yellow bus, or Yankee Bravo as some stylishly call it, is an iconic image in many parts Lagos. Millions rely on them to travel to their destinations every day. With stories ranging from robberies to sexual assaults occurring daily, we present some tips to surviving the bumpy ride
- Protect your wallet
This sound like a typical thing to do. Every sane person keeps his or her wallet away from prying eyes. The only issue is that some passengers bring out their wallets to pay their fares leaving people to pry into things that are not theirs. A small opening in a wallet can give a pickpocket the perfect opportunity to do away with your valuables. The next thing he or she does is stop at the next bus stop before you realise any harm has been done.
- Protect your phone
Most people in Lagos have complained about having their phones stolen in the danfo. You would expect that the culprits are dirty people only to find out that the young man or lady dressed in a suit next to you is actually the one that stole your phone. Therefore, when in a danfo make sure that your phone is kept in a safe place. Do not have any conversation or work on your mobile unless it is absolutely necessary
- Don’t fall asleep
The danfo is not your bedroom or private space. Even if you are tired, wait till you get to your destination before dozing off. Be wide awake during the ride. Like the popular saying advises, always “shine your eyes”. Sleeping can cause the loss of personal items and dignity. If in doubt, refer to points 1 and 2
- Be alert
There are perverts in Nigeria and most of them are found danfo buses. All your senses should be alive. You would be surprised to know how many guys get a bulge in their trousers just by staring at a stranger in the bus. These perverts can take it to the next level by attempting to touch. This is why you must be ready for any and everything.
- Avoid being robbed of your wristwatch
Maybe it’s lack of intuition for most people or these thieves are just too smart. They can remove your watch from your wrist without you even realising till you have to check the time. How they do it? Let’s just put it down to their being swift and the victims not being conscious.
- Pull up your jeans
For females who like low waist jeans, make sure you have a long top to cover it or pull it up very well when you are in a commercial bus. We referred to perverts earlier, but even well-adjusted males may find it difficult to look away when you flaunt your assets in front of them.
- Avoid coming down from a moving bus
Don’t imagine that the danfo driver really cares to look at the back to know if you have safely alighted from the bus. Until he tells you he has stopped, wait for him to drive you safely to the bus stop. If you are in a hurry to get down other passengers may not take kindly to it if you step on them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Avoid touchy-touchy conductors
The typical Lagos conductor is charged with the duty of calling passengers into the bus but many seize the opportunity to physically violate people. In order to call passengers, some conductors sometimes touch and pull ladies, rubbing their body on them unnecessarily. If you notice a conductor trying too hard, avoid the bus and wait for another one.
- Avoid passing your bus stop or entering the wrong bus
The city of Lagos welcomes only smart people. If you “dull yourself” you may end up regretting it. Only few danfo drivers have the decency to direct you back to where you want to go if you miss a junction or enter the wrong bus. Ensure you let everybody know where you wish to get down at. Failure to do this may result to insult from rude drivers, conductors and fellow passengers.
- Look out for one chance
Robbery in buses has been a cause for concern over the years. Even though the rate of one chance in buses has reduced in recent times, it has not been totally eradicated. Look at faces of people in a danfo before entering especially the ones not taking off at recognised bus parks. Avoid buses without the signature yellow and black stripe or any other official colour.
Bonus tip #11: Hold your “change”
We saved this for last. The prayer of most conductors, particularly the ones with cheating in their DNA, is that you forget to collect the balance when you pay more than the stipulated transport fare. Many conductors have been known to disappear with passengers’ money. If you are lucky, you will be “married” at your destination to another passenger who has change to collect. That may leave you going from one okada rider to another or looking for petty traders to help you break the money into two. So, plan your trip ahead. Hold the correct amount of money and avoid the embarrassment of fighting over “change”.
All the above are only preventive measures. At the end of the day, pray for Gods protection or save to buy your own car. It is well.
