Those Lawless Buses

People try to squeeze their way between buses parked on a crosswalk on Carrera Decima. 

Good luck crossing Carrera Decima when it's busy - whether you're a person or a vehicle. 

TransMilenio buses blocked by private buses on Decima yesterday. 

Private buses stop atop the crosswalk and in the middle of the intersection, blocking the TransMilenio buses.

Bogotá's private buses - old, creaky and polluting - respect neither law nor authority. For them, pedestrians are obstacles and nuisances - unless they're potential passengers and represent pesos.

Bogotá could get its traffic moving significantly faster just by enforcing laws - which I assume exist - against vehicles stopping on crosswalks and in intersections. But the private buses ignore such laws (as well as basic consideration). Don't even think about pollution limits.

La Decima's situation should improve when its TransMilenio line finally starts working - hopefully within a few months.

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours