Dangerous mini-buses threaten rider safety

By Chen Hong (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-10-14 13:40

SHENZHEN: Ten mini-buses that should have been scrapped are still in service in a suburb of this southern city, threatening the lives of drivers and passengers.

The Route 982 buses have run the 20-km route from 6:10 am until 11:30 pm every day since September 2003.

"Each of the buses must have driven 1 million km and should have been scrapped more than one year ago," said a driver surnamed Li. "Usually I won't close the door tightly so I can escape from the bus as quickly as possible if I need to. It could kill me at any time."

Besides the shabby interior, the buses have problems with brakes and have important devices missing or not working, Li said.

However, even without operational licenses, these buses can pass the transportation authority's annual examination.

Route operator Kondarl Transportation Co, a subsidiary of Shenzhen Kondarl (Group), said the company is applying for new buses to replace these vehicles, but it takes time.

Shenzhen East Bus, which will take over operation of the route as part of the city's reform of the bus system, criticized the irresponsible behavior of Kondarl.

"According to the regulation, mini-buses must be scrapped in five years and all new buses should be in place before the old ones are scrapped," said a manager at the operation division.

But the company can do nothing now since it has not signed the transfer contract.

The local transportation authorities and watchdog couldn't be reached for comment.

Insiders said the route, the only bus connecting two residential areas in Longgang district, could bring considerable profits to the operator.

"The operators don't need to spend a penny on the maintenance of the buses or changing the parts, but every bus can earn more than 300 yuan every day," said the insider who asked to remain anonymous.