'We Transport Lives, Not Objects': Lima Bus Drivers Warn of Accident Risk Due to 'Excessive Work'

The arteries of Lima pulse with the Metropolitano, a vital public transport system, yet beneath the surface of its daily operation lies a growing concern: the safety of its passengers and drivers. As reported by La República, the buses themselves are showing their age, many having surpassed 15 years of service and clocked over a million kilometers. This prolonged service life, coupled with a seemingly distant fleet renewal, raises serious questions about the system's reliability and the potential for accidents.

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We transport lives, not objects.

Drivers, the unsung heroes navigating Lima's chaotic streets, are sounding the alarm. They speak of "excessive work" and the immense pressure they face daily. Testimonies reveal that drivers are often expected to work extended shifts, sometimes nearly six hours straight, with insufficient rest periods in between. This grueling schedule, compounded by the stress of managing crowded buses and unpredictable traffic, is taking a significant toll. As one driver poignantly stated, "We transport lives, not objects," highlighting the immense responsibility they carry.

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One of the causes of traffic accidents is also stress. In theory, the supervision of the authority should not allow more than this time per day.

From our perspective in Peru, this situation is not merely an operational issue; it's a human one. The drivers' pleas for flexible working hours and adequate rest are not demands for luxury but necessities for safe operation. The aging fleet is a ticking clock, and the drivers' well-being is intrinsically linked to the safety of thousands of commuters. While authorities investigate the causes of recent accidents, the drivers' testimonies point to a systemic problem rooted in overwork and deteriorating equipment. It is imperative that the Autoridad de Transporte Urbano de Lima y Callao (ATU) addresses these concerns proactively, ensuring that the Metropolitano remains a safe and reliable service for all, rather than a potential hazard on Lima's roads.

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We work for two hours, then we rest to work for almost six more hours without any interruption. We are the primary transport. Beyond the fact that capacity is not respected, there is also the heat and the stress of the users because the unit is full or we don't stop at all stations.