Notes for truck and bus
1. Assuming both bus and truck are available, the deciding factor may well be journey distance. If road conditions allow, a bus is usually preferred for longer journeys. Check with the refugees if a truck is acceptable, consider how small children would fare, what passengers would hold on to and how luggage will be secured. Some form of sun shade or other protection may be necessary.
2. For both truck and bus, the following facilities will be needed:
-vehicle fuel;
-food and water for repatriates during journey;
-emergency health care;
-breakdown or recovery service;
-vehicle insurance for the country of destination.
3. For any movement by road, try to avoid having to change vehicles at the frontier. While it is generally easier to use vehicles from the country of asylum, consider if having those from the country of origin coming to fetch repatriates has advantages. Ensure that drivers do not work excessive hours and that they have immigration and other clearances through to the destination.
4. It may be difficult to keep trucks together in tightly grouped convoys, and this is often impracticable on dusty roads in any event. However, there must be one person clearly identified as responsible for each group of vehicles. Seek local advice on how to marshal and control the vehicles. Prearranged stopping points where all vehicles regroup, with the person in charge in the last vehicle is one solution. Make sure all drivers are aware of breakdown or accident procedures.
