Team Herald
PANJIM/MARGAO: There appears to be a stark contrast between Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s recent appeal to the public to embrace public transportation and the ground reality faced by commuters.
When O Heraldo contacted regular commuters they had altogether a different story to tell as they shed light on the myriad challenges plaguing the Margao and inter-linked public transport starting from KTC bus stand in Margao. Commuters feel that for the CM’s vision of a public transport-oriented Goa to become a reality, significant improvements in service frequency, vehicle condition and overall user experience are urgently needed. Until then, commuters will continue to rely on private vehicles.
Painting a grim picture of the current state of affairs, Rosario D’Mello, a college student lamented saying: “The frequency of buses is pathetic as people are compelled to stand in long queues for passes and tickets, often with no buses in sight. This inconsistency in service is a major deterrent for those considering public transport as a viable alternative to private vehicles.”
One of the most pressing issues highlighted was the discrepancy between the types of buses available and the passes held by commuters. “Many times, people with passes for AC buses are forced to board non-AC ones because if you wait for an AC bus, you would never reach home,” Anita Fernandes, another commuter explained.
This situation is further exacerbated by an unfair pricing policy as per the commuters.
Passengers with non-AC passes are charged extra to board AC buses, while those with AC passes receive no compensation when forced to travel in non-AC vehicles.
The physical condition of the buses came under scrutiny.
“The condition of the buses is horrible,” other commuters said, narrating their travels in leaking and damaged vehicles. This issue becomes particularly acute during the monsoon, with water seeping in throughout the journey, making for an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe travel experience.
Timing is another crucial factor affecting the accessibility of public transport. According to the commuters, the last shuttle from Margao to Panjim departs at 7.30 pm, with local buses running until 8 pm. However, getting a bus at night proves challenging, limiting options for those working late or enjoying evening activities.
Commuters also revealed issues with the ticketing system at the Margao bus stand. The lack of a separate counter for senior citizens has led to conflicts, with elderly passengers often cutting into the general queue, causing frustration among other travellers waiting in line.
These problems stand in stark contrast to the Chief Minister's recent call for increased use of public transport.
While bus travel remains a cheaper option during the day, the numerous inconveniences and unreliability of the service make it an unattractive choice for many Goans.
The commuters’ experiences at the Margao bus stand, serving as a crucial hub for both inter-city and local transportation, reflect wider issues across Goa's public transport network.
“Overall, it is not so good, but I think it can be improved in the future if proper steps are taken,” said Sneha Kamat, a commuter, who appeared optimistic.
“For the CM’s vision of a public transport-oriented Goa to become a reality, significant improvements in service frequency, vehicle condition, and overall user experience are urgently needed. Until then, Goans will continue to rely on private vehicles,” said senior citizen Yogesh Dessai, who comes to pick up his daughter from the KTC bus stand.
GOACAN Convenor Roland Martins said, “The statement made by the Chief Minister is correct, but Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited and Department of Transport will have to move ahead. They should review the bus routes and sanction route permits for routes which have no buses. Public transport is the solution for the problem. Goa has a population of 15 lakh and the same is the number of vehicles owned by them. This increases when tourists come to the state. Public transport is important but for that there has to be bus stops, bus routes should be declared, buses should be allotted route numbers. Panchayats and municipalities should write to the Department of Transport stating that there is an issue of buses in their area.”
All Goa Private Bus Owners Association General Secretary Sudeep Tamhankar said, “Nobody is taking statements made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant seriously. He had said that show cause notices will be issued to contractors for carrying out substandard work. But still there is no sign of that. Our fuel subsidy is pending for the last two years. In spite of an order from the High Court, government has not complied to it. Are around 500 buses stopped plying during Covid, which are yet to come on roads. The government is simply ignoring Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited.”
Tamhankar alleged that the government is promoting unhealthy competition by plying electric buses on different routes without taking private bus operators into confidence.
However, KTC chairman Ulhas Tuenkar said, “The Chief Minister has made the statement for the routes which have buses. There is a shortage of buses, especially on routes in rural areas. However, we have received 50 new diesel buses and we are to get 65 more electric buses. We are also to get 500 electric buses from CSR funding.”
A KTCL official from Panjim bus depot said, “Frequency of buses depends on timing. Normally buses depart for their destinations at an interval of 10 minutes, but during peak hours, the interval is reduced to five minutes.”
The official said, “The Panjim Depot has a total of 112 buses, of which 88 are diesel buses and 24 electric buses. Twenty-two buses have been allotted for shuttle service, out of which 13 are for Margao, 8 for Vasco and 1 for Ponda. From Margao end, the peak hour starts at 6.30 am and ends at 9 am, while from Panjim side, the pick hour commences from 5 pm and ends at 6.30 pm.”