BMD

Despite reiterated calls for improving the public transport in Nepal, this sector is still not up to the mark. It seems that policymakers do not have a clear vision for systematising this important sector. They are also not found being serious about overhauling it. People have an impression that public vehicles are old and rickety, with congested seats. They usually gain an unpleasant experience while travelling on the public transport.

The vehicles remain mostly overcrowded. So, passengers are forced to go through uncomfortable rides. Since such vehicles do not maintain their proper operating schedules, the travellers hardly get to their destinations on time. Thus, the public transport system is failing to win the hearts and minds of passengers.

On top of that, people have also got fed up with the rude manners on the part of bus staff. Passengers are harassed due to the bus staff’s irritating behaviours. In the absence of an effective monitoring mechanism, the vehicle helpers are found cheating passengers by overcharging. Pickpockets are another nuisance to passengers.

However, many transport companies have now been operating modern buses with more seat-capacity. This has become a respite for many people travelling to different routes in the urban areas. The Kathmandu Valley has also witnessed some improvements in its public transport system, with many wider buses in operation. Sajha Yatayat deserves due credit for purchasing and running bigger modern vehicles on various routes. It is also planning to introduce electric buses as its bid to contribute to reducing the valley’s burgeoning air pollution.

Statistics show that the valley’s road network is about 1,800 kilometres where more than 700,000 vehicles ply daily. As the public transport system in the valley is poor, the number of private vehicles is increasing considerably every year. This is exacerbating the problems of traffic congestion and air pollution simultaneously.
This signals that the valley’s public transport system still has a long way to go. Many passengers travelling to various routes within the valley are seen standing in the congested vehicles. Elderly people, women, children and those living with disabilities reel from problems due to lack of seats. However, the buses have allocated some seats for the lots.

The government was planning to operate the electric public vehicles in the valley to slash emissions. But the plan is not going to materialise this year as well with the Bagmati provincial government deciding to put off the process of buying the electric buses. The previous government in the province had set aside Rs. 300 million to purchase 30 electric buses. Such vehicles alone contribute to improving air quality and reducing consumption of fossil fuels.

Traffic accidents are yet another serious issue to ponder over. In Nepal, more than 2,000 people die from vehicle accidents annually. The situation seems to be worsening day by the day with an increase in the number of vehicles and expansion of fair-weather roads. It is essential to revamp the country’s public transport system. It should be made safer, cheaper, more credible and comfortable.