Guatemalan fun fact of the day- Chicken Buses

To pass the time I decided that I am going to try to post a Guatemalan fun fact of the day. Today's fun fact is:Chicken Buses. There are two kinds of buses in Guatemala: public and private. Public buses are known as "chicken buses" since they accept livestock as well as people. Fares are dirt cheap and the buses go anywhere, no matter how remote or how bad the roads. They are also incredibly uncomfortable, since most are refurbished school buses. A second-class chicken bus is one with no missing parts, seats still bolted to the floor and windows that sometimes open. Third-class buses are those that could have been condemned but haven't stopped running. All buses are kept very clean no matter how old.

Something you will never hear from a chicken bus driver is "Sorry, we are full." Drivers will cram as many people into a bus as humanely possible- and then some. Expect to rub elbow, hips, thighs, and other unexpected body parts with the locals while traveling on a chicken bus. There are usually three to four people to a seat and sometimes you will end up holding the odd parcel (or chicken) for your neighbor. It's always an adventure riding a chicken bus and it's a great way to meet the locals.

Chicken bus schedules are subject to change without notice for a variety of reasons. Breakdowns are frequent and during the rainy season the roads may get washed out. Fiestas are another reason for delays, as bus drivers will often join in the party and not be able to drive the next day. There is nothing you can do except enjoy you surroundings and be patient. Delays are part of travel in Guatemala.

Chicken buses are privately owner and are decorated according to the owners/drivers tastes, not to mention the name of his current girlfriend♥

That is the fun fact for today. Hope you enjoyed it!