The Matatu Money Man

The matatu is the bus here. It is a large van with three or four rows of seats, that they like to cram as many people as possible into. Thhe driver has one job- drive. He does not talk to the passengers; he toys with the radio, speeds as much as possible, and slams on the breaks and throws the vehicle to avoid the many pot holes, sink holes, and issues that come abut on the road that could cause damage. His conduit for passenger communication is a guy whom i like to call the money man. This guy is great. He negotiates fees for rides, instructs passengers on where to sit, collects the fares, tells the driver where to stop, and likes to ride on the edge of the bus holding onto the roof, chosing to fling himself inside and on top of the neareast passenger only when the vehicle reaches top speed. He then slams the door shut with a dramatic flair and looks pleased with himself. He does this at least five times each journey since the matatu stops whenever someone by the side of the road flags it down or a passenger makes a clanging sound with a coin to signal that they want off. He then throws the door open, throws himself from the vehicle while it is still moving, heards people on or off, and begins his routine again. Even more impressively, he does all of this with the fare money entwined in his fingers. He has a slick method of collection, taking the bill, folding it in half, and lacing it in his fingers, like a magician pulling a coin from his ear, sometimes offering change, though often it has to be negotiated for. Fascinating.