Crowded buses have become a common sight on the roads of Samoa, but the situation comes with a price, a risk to the safety of passengers. 

Samoa's buses are aging and some of them have been on the roads for more than three decades. This does not stop drivers from loading the buses to the brim because more passengers means more money.

For bus drivers like Raymond Tiatia, who drives his uncle's bus, carrying a load of over 30 passengers is a common occurrence.

The bus, which is called Peacemaker, is one of the seven buses that travel to and from Mulifanua Wharf daily. However, there is nothing peaceful about feeling unsafe on an overcrowded bus. 

"We know that it's not safe, but the overcrowding allows us to generate more income," said a bus driver. 

Raymond's brother Henry, who is his checker, ensures that those who need to get to the Mulifanua Wharf are well aware of the bus schedule to and from the Mulifanua Wharf as well as the ferry times. Henry sometimes hangs out of the bus when it is full. 

According to another bus driver, they do not get paid enough or near to none as the buses they drive are usually private.

"That's why we take more than 30 people. We are working for the money," said Raymond.

"Sometimes it makes me feel unsafe, that's why I always have to focus on the road."

The situation is not only risky for the drivers but also for the passengers. 

"When there are too many people inside the bus, I get worried because if we do get into an accident, all of us will get hurt," said Penina Niue, a teacher from Palauli Primary School who uses the bus to commute to the Apia town centre when she is coming from Savai'i. 

She added that although she has seen buses get into accidents and fall over, she still catches the bus because it is cheaper than taking a taxi. 

"$4 is a fair price from Mulifanua because for example, when you taxi within Apia the starting price is usually $5," added Niue.

The situation is also particularly concerning for parents who commute with their children, especially for father Asafo Lama who catches the bus with his daughter.

"I need to protect my daughter on the bus, especially when it's crowded and there are a few men," said Asafo Lama, who commutes to Vaitele Fou every day. 

Sabrina Lotovale, another commuter, said that transportation is very important for people around the island, especially for school students.

Simi Vaitoa, who travels about an hour to Siumu on the bus, said although the overcrowding does not cause any fights on the bus he catches, everyone is angry. 

"You can just see it in the people's faces - no one wants a stranger sitting on their lap," he said. 

Vaitoa who usually ends up with a stranger on his lap said its annoying.

Despite the risks, buses remain the only affordable mode of transportation for many Samoans, according to Aia Roberst.

"It's normal for Samoan people to be catching buses because no one can afford to buy a car because they are poor," he said. 

The overcrowding problem is not only a safety issue but also a comfort issue. 

"Most people would rather catch the buses with soft cushion chairs rather than the wooden chairs as they find it more comfortable," said Raymond Tiatia.

But even with those buses, cushions often turn into laps. 

"It's simple, once the chairs are filled up - just stop people from coming in," said Vaitoa.