Every day on the road brings a different challenge, but after more than 30 years behind the wheel, bus driver Roytesh Prakash knows that patience, experience and safety are essential for getting his passengers safely to their destinations.
Known to many as “Donald”, the 59-year-old from Nakelo, Nausori, who has been married for 40 years has spent more than three decades driving buses and meeting people from all walks of life.
“I have been working as a bus driver for more than 30 years now,” he said.
Driving was not just a career choice for Mr Prakash but something he enjoyed doing from the beginning. “It is my hobby, meeting people and driving from place to place.” That passion has kept him on the road for years, with seeing new faces remaining one of the highlights of his work.
Before becoming a full-time bus driver, Mr Prakash operated a carrier business serving villages of Kiuva and Naselai.
However, changes in transport services eventually led him to leave that business.
His driving career has included working for Tebara Transport, which was later sold to Nasese Bus Company, before he moved to KR Latchans Buses for lesser hours of work.
“I switched because I get extra hours to rest as it only has scheduled runs here with K.R. Latchan as I want to spend more time at home and less hours working. “For me in my age, I need more time to rest now.”
One of his most memorable experiences behind the wheel was his 15 years driving a school bus for Suva Grammar School.
However, the job has changed considerably over the years.
“Plenty new rules have been imposed now.”
Mr Prakash also believes some motorists need to be more aware of the rules that apply to buses and public service vehicles, particularly when they are pulling out of bus stops.
“many ew drivers, don’t give way to the bus, but that is a road rule.”
Traffic and poor road conditions are another daily challenges, with potholes and unsealed roads affecting services to villages such as the Kiuva and Daku routes.
“Sometimes we miss our trips and routes because of the traffic.”
Despite the challenges, the father of five who are all overseas now continues to take pride in his responsibility serving commuters in his bus route.
His message to young drivers and other motorists is simple: “Please drive on a speed limit and drive safely because this is a public service vehicle. The important thing is to keep the passenger’s safe and drop them at the right destination.”
He urges commuters to refrain from lying and to be honest with their destinations.
“Sometimes they lie and say they are going to Stage 1 when they are ging to stage 2.” Even after three decades, the road still has lessons to teach, and Mr Prakash continues to drive them one journey at a time.
Inset: Mr Prakash in front of his bus in Nausori Town.
