Where is Shillong's lost glory heading towards?

No one can deny that Shillong is growing very fast. Every year, there are massive changes occurring in and around the city. The government is doing much for the capital. However, there are certain areas that have been totally neglected over the years. Commuting around the city is one such area and has more than often caused problems for the people. The only means of local transport are the taxis, whereas other cities across India have regular bus services for the same purpose.

In the other cities of India, buses form the main means of local transportation. Moreover, cities like Mumbai, Kolkata can also boast of local trains. Even the smaller cities and towns across the country have local bus for the convenience of the people. However, Shillong is way behind in this basic means of transportation. There are very few buses running around the city and that too far- in- between making it difficult for the citizens to board them. Even if one gets into one such bus, he is destined to be late for his work because these buses run at their own will and stop wherever they want for long periods of time. And if anyone tells the driver or the conductor to hurry they just get rude and ignore the humble request of the passengers.

In the other cities, not only are there efficient bus services throughout the day, they are also well connected with affordable rates. Some cities also have monthly passes, wherein they can pay the organisation once a month and enjoy the services throughout the month. Moreover, these buses have special sitting arrangements for women and senior citizens. The bus drivers and conductors are also well-behaved.

In Shillong, most of the city bus have been converted into make shift lorries for the “bastis”. There are seen more often carrying vegetables and heavy sacks instead of people! Some of the buses are in such horrible conditions that many would avoid them in any case. Moreover, the local taxis have become such convenient means of transport that people do not mind paying extra for better comfort.

It is high time that the government awakens from their deep slumber on this matter and take some steps to revive the lost glory of the local bus services. The now dormant Shillong City Bus Syndicate should probably merge with the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) similar to the likes of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) or Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and run the local buses. The corporation should also build proper and clean shades for the awaiting passengers. The issuing of tickets should also be made more transparent. The frequency of some of the buses in Shillong also becomes a problem. More buses with better frequencies should be introduced to increase the popularity of the local buses.

If these suggestions are taken up and the dying city bus service is revived it will help each and every citizen of Shillong. It will also help to build a better Shillong in terms of communication.