Am I a Safe Commuter?

I am regular commuter in the City Bus Service. Over the years, I have had numerous experiences traveling with people from all walks of life.  She
looked young but energetic and has sharp tongue able to convince even the toughest commuter in the bus.

On weekends, one would notice that she is such a person who can squeeze over twenty people standing in the bus once the only 22 seats are filled. With the ending of winter season, the passengers inside would sweat and one would smell-some foul, some sweet, some pleasant, some alcoholic,  depending on whose side we are sitting. The people inside would make noise, complain it is too packed but she would cheerfully invite still more “Babesa! Babesa! Babesa!. He sharp tongue silence the passengers inside.

A few years back, when I used to travel, the helper would always be handy boy or a man, today, to my surprise many of them are replaced by young girls. During those days, commuters would quarrel with the handy boys quite often. The buses used to more comfortable not because the buses were new during those days but because only 10 people would be carrying standing.

Today, the rules have changed, the standing capacity has increased to an extend as long as they can squeeze inside. The recent accident at Lamperi has not even caused a little concern to Bhutan Post City Bus Service. The only concern I have seen over the period years is the money that the handy girl could collect. Despite of repeated notification, the collection of extra fare and non-issuance of tickets are still rampant. For instance, to reach Simtokha, the normal rate is Nu.8 whereas most often, the handy girl would collect Nu.10 saying that they don’t have change and will compensate next time which is never done agrees many regular travelers.  Many does not care but for some, they say it is annoying and unethical.