Once upon a bus
Ever since I returned to Madras over a decade ago, I have been strongly dissuaded from traveling on the bus saying “It is not what it used to be. It is not safe” etc. etc. However, it is important to me to have the ability to negotiate public transport to the extent possible – knowing that it is the most reliable form of transportation, knowing that this is what the largest swathes of the population use, knowing that I can handle it without trepidation, knowing that I do not need a private vehicle – it is empowering.
It was quite an unusual week with two evenings that were actually rather free, making for guilt-free outings. I attended one concert on each of them – both in Mylapore. I rarely go to any location not in my immediate vicinity (except during music season) since concert timings are such that I have to be traveling at peak traffic times and spend (seemingly) unending minutes waiting at the Gemini signal counting the palm trees at Hotel PalmGrove. Since the first concert was on the day after Deepavali, I assumed there would be less traffic.
I decided to take the bus. I knew 12B took me close to my destinations but I had also noticed that its frequency was lesser than others that plied near my home. Google Maps to the rescue. It told me when to expect a 12B – and wonder of wonders, it was correct. I had barely walked to the nearest stop when the 12B was, practically, waiting for me. I boarded. There were no free seats and I had to stand awhile. I realized, to my great glee, that I could still do so comfortably and, what’s more, fiddle with my handbag at the same time (the last time I went on a bus, my mother was the one carrying a handbag). I informed the conductor of my stop (Google maps again) and got a ticket – Rs. 13 (~US$0.18) to the Mylapore Police Station. I gave him Rs. 15 and he handed me Rs.2 in change right away – it is a rare Uber/Ola driver who will do that.
At Pondy Bazaar, there was a mini exodus and I sat down comfortably. This conductor announced every stop loudly and, more importantly, comprehensibly. Despite a crowded vehicle and a necessarily slow canter through the city, the bus was so airy – a huge advantage for those of us who are motion sick and sensitive to various smells in a badly ventilated vehicle with the AC at insufficient power (or worse still, no AC and windows shut tight). I was there within 30 minutes – and had scarcely a 3-minute walk to Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. I ensconced myself comfortably – well on time for the 5.30 pm start.
Once the concert was over, I scampered out since the return 12B was coming quite soon. This time, I had to ask where the stop exactly was since there was no bus shelter and no markings (that I could find), but passing bystanders were most obliging. No sooner had I reached the random street corner, when the 12B arrived. Seated right away, I let go of another Rs. 13 and had a comfortable ride back. Again, it was quick.
I so enjoyed this journey that it emboldened me to attend another concert, again in Mylapore – this time at Ragasudha Hall. The 12B again, only Rs. 9 – a slightly longer walk from the Vivekananda College stop. I am now a born-again fan of travel by bus. It hits many birds with one stone – speed (it bulldozes its way through traffic, as we all know in our experience as pedestrians – yes – everything is relative – even the bulldozing speed is slow), it is very well ventilated and so inexpensive. I would also like to add that I was not shoved, pushed, touched, groped etc., which I had been promised would happen. All individuals around me were as respectful of personal space as one can be in a public bus. When it came time to disembark, I informed those who would have to move that I would be doing so and they made sure I had enough room to get out comfortably. I noticed that the conductor was patient enough to ensure that all passengers, including the slower elderly, had safely alighted before he blew the whistle.
Admittedly, an extremely crowded bus is best avoided, as hanging out of one can have disastrous consequences. But if one times the trips to avoid the worst periods, it can be a comfortable ride. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the nearest bus stop – but if one just asks passersby in the local area, you will easily be directed. Google Maps can help here too and also decipher what bus(es) to take, removing a key source of anxiety from the equation. The most stress-free way to travel. Do try it. My husband was highly amused when I declared upon returning, “This is the way to commute!”
“A bus ride is like being in another world.” -JA Redmerski
