Public transport, in Nepali context, is extensively used by students. Public vehicles, including three wheeler tempos, micro buses and buses are jam-packed specially during office hours. The topped off vehicles cannot accommodate the commuters comfortably and a morning ride is most certainly always a hassle. A transport is used as the means to reach a destination – educational institution, health facilities or work place – but if commuting becomes a complication, it will apparently make an impact on the welfare and psychology of commuters. Sonam Lama of My City talked to the students of British College, Thapathali to listen to their everyday experience of traveling from home to college in public vehicles and their ideas to make the journey hassle-free.
Pratibimb Aryal
I come to college from Nakhipot by microbus. It makes me uncomfortable to see people getting stuffed into the micro like animals, and not having enough space to even stand properly. Passengers have a pathetic time traveling in public vehicles. I think, proper implementation of traffic rules is vital in order to lessen these problems.
Anisha Shrestha
I travel from New Baneshwar to college by tempo or microbus. Since the vehicles are overcrowded most of the time, there is no personal space to make a convenient travel. I think people should avoid travelling in a jam-packed vehicle, while the drivers and conductors should not be allowed to stuff numerous passengers in a single vehicle.
Unpredictable explorations
Roshan James Rasaili
I travel from Samakhushi by Samakhusi Yatayat. The vehicle is extremely jam-packed and I feel fortunate if I ever get a seat. On top of that, the bumpy ride and reckless driving makes the travel worst. I prefer cycling in winters, which is a better option to get rid of my traveling woes, as it is an eco-friendly approach to fight maximum difficulties on the street.
Shreya Joshi
I travel from Nakku by Nepal Yatayat and it is much of a relief that I don’t have to wait long for the bus. Due to the heavy traffic congestion, we are left with no other option than bearing the heat inside an overcrowded vehicle and reaching late. I think the government should make firm rules and make people abide by those rules.
Nutan Singh
I come from Kuleshwor by bus. I have a tough time traveling in public vehicles because the drivers and conductors keep pushing in passengers even when there is no room left to stand. I think passengers and drivers should build a sense of mutual understanding and be concerned on risking the lives of citizens through overloaded vehicles and reckless driving.
Dennis Rai
I usually have a burdensome journey from Nakhipot to college. Traveling in a stuffed microbus is the worst nightmare for people with a healthy body like mine. I am also six-feet-tall in height and my head gets banged on the roof if I have to travel standing. I think the government needs to make proper transport policies keeping people’s troubles in mind.
Amit Khanal
I come from Tinkune and I always have to make my journey by standing. With numerous potholes ruling the streets, the ride never goes smooth. The situation becomes painful when I am barely standing on my foot through a bumpy ride. The condition could be improved by blacktopping potholes, installing ample traffic lights and spreading awareness on traffic rules.
Sahaj Shrestha
I travel from Mangal bazaar either by bus or tempo. It is quite an exasperating experience to travel in jam-packed vehicles during the monsoon season as the seats are soaked, adding to the agony of traveling in public vehicles. I think penalizing rule breakers will confirm a safer and relieved travel.
Jessica Bhattarai
I come from Bhaisepati by bus. Since the buses are always packed, I have seen many people making hard efforts to be seated. This act has violated the rights of elderly and differently-abled, giving them a tough travel. In my opinion people should abide by the rules and perform the duties of a civilized citizen in order to bring about changes.
Avishekh Thakur
I travel from Buddhanagar by microbus. Traveling becomes frustrating as the vehicles arrive only after a long wait and we are left with no other option than traveling in packed vehicles. I don’t feel the need to introduce new rules. I think the stakeholders concerned should strictly implement existing rules to ensure safe travels.
