Buses are one of the most key transport modes in almost every city in India. These buses have become the lifeline of daily commuters who are largely dependent on these city buses to travel from one place to another on a routine basis. But when we talk about this so called bus culture in the southern most state of Kerala then the story gets more cramped.
Kerala buses are the most often zipping machines which run amok on almost all streets in the state honking every now and then. This mode of transport is serving the city goers from a long time, but the other side of the story is far more scary and horrible. Well, if you have ever been into these buses then you might have experienced the nerve wrecking feel. These buses run so fast in all busy and narrow lanes as if a racing action is going on.
Putting the passenger’s life at stake these city buses rush on like a fire brigade or ambulance, as if they have to make it through the record books. What more? These buses on usual days can be seen jam-packed with passengers, many even holding on to the doors of the bus, not even bothered about their lives. You can hear the sound of a bell after every five minutes signalling a stop. The conductor keeps on pulling the string tied to the bell which is fixed near the driver’s cabin. So if the bell rings for one time it means a halt and two times points to move on.
After the gruelling session of travelling through such challenges you somehow luckily make it to your desired destination and that too safe and sound. Well this is just a peek to the daily extreme bus journeys most of the working population of God’s Own Country make to reach their work station or destination.
Some things to remember during your Bus Journey:
- If you travel daily on these city buses at a specific time, do try to board the same bus daily. As you can avail a nominal cut on your bus fare. But this is applicable only in private buses.
- Do try to reach the door of the bus a minute before your stop comes, this could help you to alight the bus easily.
- Don’t try to pull the bell on your own, ask the conductor if you want to get down at a particular place.
- Don’t sit in the seats allotted to ladies, as you may have to vacate your seat when female passengers board the bus.
- Its better to tender exact change to the conductor, sometimes they may say that they will give you the balance before your stop. But you have to remind them while disembarking the bus.
- Women should avoid travelling in bus during night hours, as you may come across many male travellers under the influence of alcohol.
