Staff reporter
GUWAHATI: City’s much-celebrated shift to CNG-powered air-conditioned buses has come under scrutiny as daily commuters voice mounting concerns over persistent overcrowding, irregular schedules, and route imbalance—issues that are undermining the purpose of the green transport initiative.
Despite the eco-friendly upgrade, passengers say the experience is far from comfortable, especially during peak hours. Overcrowding not only defeats the idea of an AC ride but also turns travel into an ordeal.
“When the bus is overcrowded, the AC fails to work effectively. It becomes suffocating and unbearable, especially during peak office hours,” said a daily commuter travelling from Six Mile to Bharalumukh, speaking to The Sentinel.
Calls are growing louder for the transport department to set passenger limits and implement real-time scheduling systems. Commuters point to extended wait times, especially on weekends and public holidays, which disrupt daily routines.
“During holidays or Sundays, you can wait for over 30 minutes without a bus showing up. Even on weekdays, it’s hard to predict when the next bus will arrive,” said a Beltola resident.
Several other citizens from areas like Maligaon, Zoo Road, and Khanapara have also highlighted poor route coverage and uneven bus distribution, particularly during school and office hours. Some routes are reported to be overcrowded while others remain neglected. Complaints about rash driving and overspeeding by bus drivers have also surfaced, with passengers demanding stricter monitoring to ensure road safety.
As Guwahati pushes forward with public transport modernization, commuters stress that success hinges not just on clean fuel and air-conditioning but also on service quality and passenger experience. “Comfort, reliability, safety, and timely service must go hand in hand. Otherwise, people will lose trust in public transport altogether,” said a member of a local commuters’ forum.
In light of the ongoing issues, several civic groups have called on the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) to conduct an operational review of the CNG AC bus service and incorporate public feedback into future planning.
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