Over a thousand people, locals and tourists, depend on the government and private buses every day. The Panjim bus terminus serves as the main link for the people travelling in and around the city. In addition to the bus services, the terminal also accommodates public toilets, pay phones, medical stores, ATMs, barber shops, supermarket, canteens and bakeries among other things. Yet, people seem to be displeased with the bus stand and its facilities.

The bus stand for many has become an indispensable bane. The basic facilities, like drinking water and public toilets, are not fit for use. Common issues that distress commuters, as well as the shopkeepers, are -- open urination, garbage and its stench that lingers around the depot. Daily commuters have no other option but to pinch their noses while they wait for their bus.

Nafiza, a resident of Vasco, says, "The bus stand facilities are a little poor but they're improving on the cleanliness and hygiene. The services have improved over the years." She further adds that some people have no other option but to travel by bus because they do not own a vehicle.

As if the wait at the bus stand isn't distressing enough, the bus journey only adds to the discomfort. Daily commuters tell Herald that the KTCL buses have too many stops in between. It was seen that there was no fixed limit on the number of people in each bus. Indifferent towards the distress faced by the passengers, the conductors were allowing people to board almost every 100 metres. These illegal stops not only crowd the bus but also cause a delay in the journey and lead to traffic jams.

While some complained about the battered condition of the buses, others are concerned about the behaviour of the drivers and conductors. "These old KTCL buses should be stopped and there should be regular maintenance of buses," says a passenger on a bus to Miramar. Immediate attention must be given to the maintenance of the buses or accidents are likely to happen. Peppy from Margao raised concern about the indecent behaviour of the conductors.

"They never give our change back. For a 12 rupees ticket, they'll charge you 15 rupees. Even after asking, they refuse to give us our money," she says. The drivers are criticised for drinking and driving. Many drivers often end up in brawls. There are no security guards to monitor these situations. Moreover, lack of security poses a threat to the safety of the people, especially women.

"We usually travel by autos or our own vehicles because they are much more convenient," says a local. Shekhar, a rickshaw driver, says that he operates his rickshaw from the Panjim bus stand and even though the bus fare is much cheaper than a rickshaw fare, they get a good amount of customers. "People prefer autos because it takes less time to reach the destination. It is much safer too. People with kids or too much luggage prefer an auto over a bus," he says.

For many, the Panjim bus stand has become a part and parcel of their lives. Suresh, a daily commuter says, "I go by bus because I have no other option. Many helpless people like me just suffer the journey in silence. The conditions of the bus stand and the buses have definitely improved over the years and hopefully, the government will work towards making it better.”