Bus operators on the Kingston to Hagley Gap and Golden Spring, St Andrew routes, say they are terrorised by police who extort money from them weekly.

Teddy, a driver, told THE WEEKEND STAR that he and other colleagues are approached every weekend by police who demand $500 from him. He said the officers, who are not traffic cops, have their telephone numbers and at times will call them to collect the money.

"Yuh have some policeman wey come to every busman on a Friday or Saturday fi money. He takes the sum of $500 from every bus driver and if yuh don't cooperate dem pressure yuh ... Dem all have some of the bus drivers' numbers to call dem fi di money," he said.

Senior Superintendent Selvin Haye of the Anti-Corruption Branch told THE WEEKEND STAR that he is aware of situations where it is alleged that police 'tax' transport operators.

"We are not aware of a particular group being involved but, from time to time, we have received calls from bus and taxi operators who said that they are being ha****ed by police officers," said Haye.

The senior cop advised the busmen on the Hagley Gap and Golden Spring routes to visit the branch and make an official complaint so the matter can be investigated.

Other bus drivers in the Corporate Area also admitted hearing of the situation in Hagley Gap and Golden Spring.

One driver Mikey Mikes, who plies the downtown to Constant Spring route, said while he is not a victim, he has heard talks about the situation and has spoken to at least one bus driver who claims to have fallen prey to the racket.

"Mi naw lie, it nuh reach me yet eno but mi know a one yute weh tell mi seh dem a pressure him," he said. "Him tell mi seh him haffi have at least five bills wen dem call a week time."

According to the bus drivers, it is extremely disheartening for them to already be paying criminal elements and now have to consider paying those who are already being paid to serve and protect.