GUADALAJARA, MEXICO – MAY 15, 2025 Intense argument broke out between a passenger and a bus driver, which escalated into a physical attack. The passenger pulled out a metal thermos, used it as a weapon, and struck the driver on the head, knocking him unconscious. Fortunately, the bus was not in motion at the time. The incident was captured by the bus’s security camera.
Bus drivers in Colombia are unfortunately often targets of physical attacks and extortion. In many cities, especially Medellín and Barranquilla, drivers are forced to pay so-called “vacunas.” These are daily fees paid to gangs for permission to operate in their territory. Failure to pay can result in assaults or even death. In Barranquilla, armed members of the Rastrojos Costeños gang have shot several bus drivers, causing disruptions to public transportation and strikes.
A more common problem than gangs, however, is troublesome passengers. These areas of South America are unfortunately full of individuals struggling with drug addiction, leading to unnecessary conflicts as well as robberies.
