Nuzhat Mushtaq
Srinagar: The city’s e-bus system, once hailed as a beacon of sustainability, is facing a growing backlash. The absence of a real-time tracking system has left many feeling disillusioned. “The e-buses are supposed to be a symbol of progress,” Aisha said, “but they’ve become a source of stress and inconvenience.”
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Aisha’s frustration stems from a combination of issues. “It’s like they’re just for show,” she lamented. “The GPS service is kept off by the drivers leaving us distressed and unable to track e buses.”
But the most recent incident left Aisha feeling particularly disheartened. “I was rushing home, and as I boarded the e-bus, one of my co passengers abaya got caught on the door ,”she recounted. “It ripped a huge hole in the fabric.”
Adding to her frustration, the driver, oblivious to the commotion, continued on his route, leaving that woman standing there, her abaya in tatters. “He didn’t even seem to notice,” she said. “It felt like the woman was invisible.”
The question remains: how can these issues be addressed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for commuters?
Adding to the list of grievances is the issue of overcrowding. Many commuters report being crammed onto e-buses, with little room to move or even breathe. “It’s like being packed into a sardine can,” one commuter complained. “The buses are often overloaded, and there’s no consideration for personal space or comfort.” This overcrowding not only makes for an unpleasant journey, but also raises safety concerns, particularly in the event of an emergency. With limited space and no clear evacuation procedures, passengers could be trapped in a dangerous situation. The city authorities need to address this issue urgently, ensuring that e-buses are not overloaded.
Despite repeated attempts to reach Smart City CEO Owais Ahmad by phone, he remained unavailable.
When speaking with another official, he said, “We received many grievances regarding this issue, and we are working diligently to ensure that the public will not face similar inconveniences in the future.”
