Public transportation in Nepal has always been a paradox in my life — both a backbone that connects people across cities and rural areas, and a bottleneck that often makes travel frustrating and uncomfortable. Reflecting on my own experiences from a few years ago, when I relied heavily on public transport like long-haul buses, tempos, and short-route buses for daily work and travel, I realize how challenging and unreliable it often was.
The Daily Struggle: Overcrowding and Discomfort
Every day, my journey would begin with a long wait at crowded bus stops, hoping to catch a vehicle that was already packed beyond capacity. Overcrowding was the norm — no seats to sit on, cramped spaces for standing, and often uncomfortable or broken seats that made even short rides exhausting. I remember squeezing into buses where personal space was a luxury, and the air inside was thick with dust and exhaust fumes.
The Waiting Game: Unreliable Schedules and Long Delays
One of the most frustrating parts was the unpredictability. Buses rarely arrived on time, and sometimes I waited for what felt like ages just to get on a vehicle. When the bus finally arrived, it was often so overcrowded that boarding was a challenge in itself. This irregularity made planning my day difficult, adding stress to an already long commute.
The Human Factor: Rude Behavior and Lack of Professionalism
It wasn’t just the vehicles that made the experience difficult. The attitude of some drivers and conductors often left much to be desired. I encountered rude behavior, impatience, and sometimes even aggressive conduct, which made the journey emotionally draining. It felt like the people who were supposed to help us get from point A to B were instead contributing to the discomfort.
Safety Concerns: Poor Maintenance and Reckless Driving
Safety was always on my mind during these rides. Many vehicles were poorly maintained — I could see thick black smoke billowing from exhaust pipes and hear unsettling squeaks and rattles. The combination of outdated vehicles and reckless driving made every trip feel like a gamble. I often wondered if I’d reach my destination safely. The chaotic traffic jams of Kathmandu Valley only added to the anxiety, turning daily commutes into nerve-wracking experiences.
Environmental Impact: Pollution on the Rise
Beyond personal discomfort, I became acutely aware of the environmental toll. The smoky, poorly maintained buses contributed heavily to Kathmandu’s hazardous air pollution. Even wearing a mask, I could feel the heavy pollution clinging to the air, making each breath a reminder of the city’s growing environmental crisis.
The Turning Point: Switching to Private Transport
All these frustrations — overcrowding, unreliability, unsafe vehicles, rude service, and pollution — eventually compelled me to switch to using a private vehicle. For me, public transportation felt inefficient, unsafe, and inconvenient. While I understand that public transport is essential for many, my personal experience highlighted the urgent need for improvements in service quality, vehicle maintenance, and infrastructure.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Change
Public transportation in Nepal holds immense potential to be the lifeline for millions, but it needs serious reforms. Improving vehicle maintenance, enforcing schedules, training staff in customer service, and investing in cleaner, safer vehicles could transform the experience. Until then, many like me will continue to seek alternatives, even if that means contributing to traffic congestion and pollution.
I share my story not just as a critique but as a call to action — for policymakers, transport operators, and citizens alike to work together to build a public transportation system that is reliable, safe, and respectful of its passengers.
Have you had similar experiences with public transportation in Nepal?
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