SHILLONG: The Shillong Public Transport Service (STPS) buses were introduced to facilitate public transport at economised rates.
The bus conductors under SPTS charge increased rates unethically, regardless of the fact that SPTS buses are meant to ease people’s transport expenses.
Some conductors are intoxicated on duty and behave rudely and impolitely with passengers.
Conductors who operate in Motphran region tend to load the bus with passengers and make them wait while they enjoy their meal. Conductors from there crowd inside the bus making it difficult for passengers to maneuver. Crowded bus conditions lead to pick pocketing, groping and invading of personal space.
Suggestively, the government should place the appointing of conductors under scrutiny. They should also be instructed to wear uniforms. The government should specify a limit on the number of passengers it can carry on a trip in order to reduce unnecessary crowding.
(Story and photo by Amethyst BM Susngi, St Anthony’s College)
