Starting next month, passenger buses travelling more than eight hours continuously will be required to halt the night. This is following a recent directive by the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA). The move, aimed at improving passenger safety, will address concerns over long driving hours and challenges in monitoring bus operations.
It is 5:30 in the morning at the Lungtenzampa bus stop in Thimphu. The passenger bus travelling from Thimphu to Lhuentse travels more than 400 kilometres in a day to reach the destination.
Similarly, several other passenger buses travelling to the east are completing their journey in a single day without a night halt.
The passenger buses travel from Thimphu to Lhuentse, Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Monggar and Samdrup Jongkhar among others.
Currently, there are eight routes in the country requiring more than eight hours of continuous driving a day. 11 public transport buses ply on these routes as of now.
However, the situation will change from the 1st of October as the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority issued a notification last month after meeting with bus operators.
According to the BCTA, challenges in monitoring, speeding, and risks of accidents due to driver’s fatigue from the long journey are some of the reasons for the change.
For now, each bus requires two drivers to switch driving on the way. However, the BCTA cited cases of drivers and bus operators not adhering to the requirement.
The Department of Labour, local leaders from a few districts and drivers also raised concerns in the past regarding single-day journey and extra working hours.
Some of the commuters said the new initiative would improve passengers’ safety while a few others shared mixed reactions.
Karma Choden, a passenger from Thimphu to Monggar said “We start at 6 AM and reach there by 9 or 10 PM. We reach there in a day which is not safe for passengers as the bus speeds up to get there in a day. Therefore, it is safer if the travel duration is stretched to two days.”
Kelzang Lethro, a passenger from Thimphu to Lhuentse said “A two-day journey is better than a day’s journey because urgency will be there every time but we need to plan ahead. There is no issue if nothing happens but in case of accidents, it is not just about a single passenger, many will be affected. We need to prioritise our safety and the risks are lowered with a two-day journey. That way we don’t have to be anxious when we travel.”
Yeshey Wangmo, who is also a passenger from Thimphu to Nganglam said “The direct buses are convenient for us as some cannot afford extra expenditure if we have to halt a night in Phuentsholing. Moreover, people will face difficulties with no places to stay.”
Pema Lotay, a resident said “I think both have their pros and cons. Direct buses are beneficial for those who have urgent work. On the other hand, if the journey is for two days, it ensures the safety of people although it is time-consuming.”
Yeshi Wangchuk, a passenger bus driver said “As a bus driver, we have to drive whether it is a day or two-day journey. However, I prefer the direct bus as it incurs less expenses for passengers. If the journey is stretched to two days, it is extra expenditure as most passengers are from villages.”
Sources said some bus operators have appealed to the government requesting to reconsider the decision. The BCTA officials said the infrastructure and transport ministry is looking into the matter.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Tshering Zam
