Road Traffic Authority Chairman Kendal Wright is very much up front when it comes to pointing out the many improper and dangerous habits of jitney drivers.

Wright made some frank comments directed at the drivers and bus owners, during a special meeting recently at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium. On the occasion, Wright, Road Traffic Director Jack Thompson and Minister of Transport Earl Deveaux engaged scores of drivers, owners and operators. Drivers had a lot to say as a mutual 100-day challenge to transform and revitalize the industry was accepted by all.

Of course, a call for an increase of fares was highlighted. There was also an appeal for a duty ease on new buses, and a request for sufficient designated areas to enable the buses to safely discharge and take on passengers. The gripes of the drivers/owners are legitimate but there is another side to this busing coin.

Jitney drivers are generally considered the most discourteous navigators of our roads. They are a cause of many annoyances for other drivers, as well as pedestrians.

A goodly number of jitney drivers demonstrate a high level of arrogance and disrespect, as they work the routes of New Providence daily.

Minister Deveaux was quite the diplomat during Thursday's meeting, but chairman Wright put his hand right over the problem areas. What he had to say was right on target.

"There are some serious problems we face in the field. Drivers are not stopping at the relevant bus stops. They are overtaking at great speeds and they pick up passengers at a whim. I have no doubt that these drivers know what they should do, but they don't do it. I am also speaking to the jitney owners as well. Many of you know what's going on.

I have heard many of the complaints people have made and we intend to deal with them," said Wright at last week's meeting.

"Many of you weed through Parliament Street and block traffic, stopping and dropping off passengers. You must observe the laws. It's important to the safety of passengers. I, as chairman intend to observe the laws of the country and carry them out fairly. We will deal with the complaints. It's very important that traffic laws in the country are observed. Not everybody wants to hear music [that can] bursts their ears. Not everyone is in love with (rapper) Fifty Cent."

Well said, chairman Wright.

The forthright approach is most appropriate, if the busing issue is to ever be resolved to the satisfaction of others who use the road, particularly those who walk.

While we sympathize with some of what the drivers have to say, there is a bottom line factor.

It is indisputable that for the most part, the jitney drivers are observed often functioning entirely out of order.

We're counting on the chairman to help them to "get it right".