I believe that there is a double standard where the issue of radios in public-passenger vehicles is concerned. Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC)-operated PPV-registered vehicles are allowed to play music on those vehicles.

In announcing the acquisition of the new yellow buses the minister announced then that they would come equipped with radios such that they would be able to air the Government-owned Public Broadcasting Corporation radio station. I boarded one of these buses and heard KOOL 97FM soon to be a part of the PBCJ being blared across the speakers.

Now, this evoked the same reaction as being on the National Transport Cooperative Society's buses that cause you to have a headache when you get off. While not as loud, I had a difficulty hearing my phone conversation. Who will ensure that if a driver wishes he cannot switch to one of the other 13 radio stations, to something that he wants to hear?

Accountability

When I travel elsewhere across the region and the world, I have only encountered music in the public transport in a few places. Those places that have government-operated transportation were usually devoid of such 'luxury' as a radio.

The Road Traffic Act was amended to ban the use of radios and as such all operators must abide by the law. If, however, the Government wishes to make a change to accommodate one sector, they should make the necessary changes to the law. As such, all players, including the JUTC should be brought to account for breaches of the law.

I am, etc.,

C. BENJAMIN

bwoy101@hotmail.com

Kingston