KARSTEN MIRANDA
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MARGAO: As Mopa Airport continues to welcome travellers from across the globe, a growing number of visitors have raised concerns about the lack of awareness and accessibility of the Kadamba Transport Corporation bus service, which offers a far cheaper alternative to the steep taxi fares.
While the bus service provides an affordable option for travellers heading to key destinations like Mapusa, Panjim, Calangute and Margao, many passengers find the experience challenging due to poor signage, inadequate facilities, and a lack of assistance with luggage.
The KTC bus service, which charges a mere Rs 150 for a trip from Mopa to Mapusa, stands in stark contrast to the Rs 1,300 or more quoted by taxi drivers. While the fare to Mapusa is relatively lower, taxi fares to Margao and other parts of Goa are significantly higher, making the bus service a more attractive option for budget-conscious travellers, especially locals. However, the service remains underutilised, largely due to lack of awareness and the logistical hurdles passengers face when trying to access it.
Albano Fernandez, a Goan residing in the UK and a media representative of the Goan community there, recently reviewed the service. Armed with a 23 kg suitcase, a 7 kg hand luggage, an airport bag, and a winter jacket, Albano embarked on the journey to assess its viability for travellers with heavy luggage. His findings, shared widely on social media and his YouTube channel ‘Goa Channel UK’, highlight both the potential and the pitfalls of the service.
“The bus counter located outside the exit point is easy to miss,” Albano noted, adding: “First-time arrivals, especially foreigners, wouldn’t even know this service exists.” He clarified that while there are kiosks inside the airport, the bus counter is located outside, making it less visible to passengers. “The bus counter should be visible from inside while coming out, before passengers encounter the taxi drivers,” he suggested.
Albano said that the counter lacked currency change, forcing passengers to pay the driver directly. The bus stop, located 30 to 40 metres away, requires passengers to cross two roads and navigate around dividers that make it impossible to use luggage trolleys.
“There are no flat slopes between the dividers, so you have to lift and drag your luggage. It’s a struggle, especially after a long flight,” he said.
Once on the bus, passengers face additional challenges. Despite the ticket stating that luggage will be stored in a compartment, all bags are placed in the passenger area, creating a tripping hazard. “The bus is managed solely by the driver, with no conductor to assist with loading or unloading,” Albano explained. “Passengers are left to handle their luggage, which is inconvenient and unsafe.”
The journey is comfortable, thanks to the efficient air conditioning system. However, the lack of seat belts and the absence of immediate transport options at the drop-off point in Mapusa add to the inconvenience.
“Even after the bus ride, you have to spend extra to get to your final destination,” Albano said. “I had to take a lift from a friend, but if I hadn’t, I would have spent another Rs 200 on a rickshaw.”
Albano’s experience has sparked a wave of feedback from locals, domestic tourists, and foreigners alike. Many appreciate the affordability of the service but acknowledge its limitations. “It’s a lifesaver for those travelling to common bus stands like
Mapusa or Margao,” said Raviraj Kamat, a frequent traveller. “But it’s not ideal for those with heavy luggage or those heading to more remote areas.”
“Tourists, particularly foreigners, find the service impractical due to the lack of awareness and accessibility. “The service is cheap, but the hassle of navigating with luggage makes it unappealing,” said Emma Davies, a British tourist.
Many have called for better signage and a more prominently located kiosk at the airport to provide clear instructions on how to access the service. “If I knew what to expect, I might have taken the bus,” said John Fernandes, another Goan now living in Australia.
The challenges faced by passengers are compounded by the marketing spectacle that unfolds when a flight arrives at Mopa. “Cab drivers, both registered and private, swarm the exit, competing for passengers,” Albano observed. “It’s overwhelming, and many people just give in and take a cab without realising there’s a cheaper option.”
During his trip, Albano noted that the bus had only 6-8 passengers, but the luggage took up so much space that it felt full. “I think even the staff use this service, but I’m not sure. Some passengers had no luggage,” he added.
The feedback from travellers underscores the need for improvements to make the KTC bus service more accessible and user-friendly. As Goa continues to position itself as a global tourist destination, the need for an efficient, accessible, and well-publicised public transport system from Mopa Airport becomes increasingly evident. For now, the KTC bus service remains a hidden gem—one that could shine brighter with a few improvements.
