Why should we suffer the loss if JUTC drivers have no change?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I HAVE been affected twice since the introduction of the new fare. On both occasions, I boarded a (Number) 23A within the bus park and was told that I needed to have $20, as the driver had no change for my $100.

On Tuesday, on entering the bus, the driver just kept looking at me while I stood handing her the $100. I quickly surmised that she had no change and asked her if she did. She said she didn’t, and I started looking in my purse to see whether I had coins. After some time, I told her that I had it, but was unable to find it, so she could take the $100. I just wanted to get home.

I then proceeded to the third seat behind her, where I asked a man who was sitting to hold my bag so I could retrieve the $20. I found it in a few seconds and went back and tried giving her the coins. To my amazement, she looked at me with disdain, and in a not-so-nice tone told me, “Lady, from yu gu dung inna di bus, you caah get back nuh money. Moreover, yuh did sey mi fi teck it.” I responded in like tone and told her to keep it, as $30 can’t really do much.

My concern is this. If we are to pay $70, why is it that we should suffer the loss if these drivers have no change? Why was I not able to give this driver $20 ( remember, she claimed she had no change/coins) after less than one minute?

The buses terminate in the bus park and should not be doing another trip without getting the tools they need to work – in this case, coins. My ticket number is 312212, operator #405277, and I boarded the bus at 5:04 p.m. I hope these questions will be answered, as I am positive I am not the only person so affected.

PAULETTE DIXON