Samoa's wooden busses have been called iconic but the fact remains that they are aging. The model of the trucks was last manufactured in 2001. 

There is also concern about overcrowding in buses. For some people, it is not an option because they are unable to afford other modes of transportation. There is no alternative to go to school, work, and back home.

The buses are structurally unsafe as well. Recent accidents involving buses resulted in deaths with the wooden structures being easily damaged.

In a social experiment on Facebook, the Samoa Observer called out members of the public to give their thoughts on the buses and bus services. Many readers took the opportunity to voice their concerns. 

One commenter, Alofa Mataafa, shared her experience of feeling like she was "clinging on for dear life" when riding the bus as a child. She expressed hope that the buses are now safer. 

The lack of bus stops and sidewalks was worsening the problem, added Jordan Schuster. 

"Our public transport “system” needs a major overhaul, can we stop living in the past already?”

Ralph Lafaele suggested that the government invest in new train stations and routes to alleviate bus overcrowding. 

Young Lualua echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for better road infrastructure and stricter road safety laws. 

“Road safety is the key to better transportation around Samoa. If our roads were structured properly and rules implemented correctly then there would be a lesser risk of bus incidents," he commented. 

Willie P Smith highlighted the issue of profit being prioritised over safety in the transport sector, noting that he had seen people hanging out of the bus entrance.

Heinz Jerry Fretton proposed that villages should have their bus stops, while also calling for the implementation of sidewalks along main roads to make walking safer. 

"People are having to wait underneath banana trees because there are no bus stops," he said.

Aolele Su’a Aloese commented on the lack of accessibility of the wooden busses, noting that they are not safe for everyone, especially those with mobility issues. 

"The steps are too high or too narrow for those who need assistance, and definitely not technologically, structurally and mechanically safe for everyone else," she said.

In the meantime, many Samoans continue to rely on wooden buses as their primary mode of transportation. As the debate over the safety of these vehicles rages on, it is clear that change is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all Samoans who rely on public transport.

There are other issues as well, such as safety of young women and girls in buses, especially when they are forced to sit on someone's lap.