I love Vallarta for a multitude of reasons. But a reasonably safe public transportation system is not one of them.

The South Side intersection of Ignacio Vallarta and Venustiano Carranza has made front page news yet again as “the corner of death,” another pedestrian killed there February 22, this time a 27-year-old gringa. Just a few weeks ago young siblings were mowed down at this very spot, as was popular journalist Jody Alexander four years ago and way too many others since then.

How many is it going to take before something is done about it? As editor of the “PV News” weekly, Jody was aware of how dangerous the buses are and wrote a lot of articles about it. Even so, one did her in. My point being that none of us is immune.

I applaud everyone who understands the importance of not accepting the unacceptable. Rather, through our voices and actions we will eventually build critical mass to effect change. Angela Corelis of “The Times,” for example, recently wrote a very bold piece about the situation, and the “PV Tribune” is relentless in its running of pertinent letters to the editor.

We need a solution now, however. But what else can we, as expatriates, do when even the mayor seems powerless? On my first interview with him two years ago, right after he assumed office, I asked what was the most pressing issue facing him. Without hesitation he responded, “The horrible bus situation.”

Well, Mr. Mayor, with all due respect, it still is. The bus unions still unleash way too many untrained drivers – some underage and others under the influence – of poorly maintained, unlicensed vehicles onto our streets. And why not? If ethics and morals aren’t considerations, what’s anyone going to do about it? There’s no legal recourse, since personal liability torts are not part of Mexican law.
With the gringa’s killing, the bus scored two for one in this deadly game. She was pregnant. Yet, the union pays only the standard $3,000 to $4,000 dollar fine. Not much compensation for a ripe young life, is it? Just enough for a basic burial with cake and coffee for the mourners.

I guess we’re supposed to be encouraged because the police promised to station a bilingual cop at this dangerous corner to direct traffic, according to the “Opina.” But as of yesterday, the officer was still nowhere in sight.

Couldn’t the city at least install speed bumps? And if not, why not? Is there some problem with slowing down before whipping around blind corners? And surely there’s got to be some way to shame these drivers – who, after all, have families of their own that they want kept safe – into caring about the havoc they’re wreaking in what is otherwise a peaceful place. Millions come every year expecting to relax, not worry about taking their lives into their hands every time they cross the street.

One lady I know suggests putting “contribution buses” (yes, you read right) near cash registers in shops and restaurants to raise money for the families of victims while raising the profile of this pressing issue so that something finally gives.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about what you’re reading, you’re encouraged to let me know at heather@mexmags.com.