MARACAIBO, VENEZUELA — Venezuelans struggling with the country's nonexistent transportation system are resorting to dangerous and often illegal means of getting around.<br /><br />Reuters reports that two years ago, passenger buses in Venezuela numbered at least 280,000, but have disappeared gradually due to expensive or unavailable parts.<br /><br />Public transportation has become scarce, with 95% of buses, cars, and taxis no longer on the road. Instead, residents are relying on over 150,000 unlicensed vehicles, nicknamed "kennels" or "dog carts," to get to their destination.<br /><br />This alternative means of transport often takes takes the form of delivery trucks or vans that standing passengers can cram themselves into.<br /><br />The "kennels" are so named for their cramped and unsafe conditions, which this year alone has caused 39 deaths and 275 injuries, according to opposition lawmaker Nora Bracho.<br /><br />Residents are well aware of the risks of getting into the "kennels", but with a slow-moving government, it's not like they have a choice.
