From Struggles to Solutions
By Bijoy A. Sangma
Shillong, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, is increasingly burdened by traffic congestion, narrow roads, and inadequate public transport. For parents, the daily struggle to get children to school amid gridlocks and limited parking has become a daunting challenge. Amid this growing crisis, the Sustainable Transport and Efficient Mobility Society (STEMS) has emerged as a game-changer. Launched by the Government of Meghalaya in 2022, STEMS provides structured, sustainable, and affordable transport solutions, reducing congestion and emissions. At its core is a dedicated school bus service, offering parents a safe, reliable alternative to private vehicles and easing traffic pressure.
While STEMS is not a silver bullet for all of Shillong’s transport challenges, its success so far indicates that structured, technology-driven transport solutions can make a significant impact on urban mobility. Its success has earned widespread appreciation, demonstrating that an efficiently managed transport system can revolutionize daily commutes.
From Concept to Change: Reinventing Urban Transport
What began as a pilot project has now become a key pillar of Shillong’s urban transport system. Initially, 30 GPS-enabled, CCTV-monitored buses were introduced in Laitumkhrah and Dhankheti, areas where a pre-launch survey estimated that 27,000 students commute daily. Designed for safety and convenience, these buses are equipped with trained caretakers, real-time tracking, and first-aid kits, providing parents with peace of mind.
STEMS was not developed in isolation but was shaped by insights from shared bus models across India. CEO Isawanda Laloo explained that the team studied services like Shuttl (Delhi, Mumbai), City Flo (Mumbai), and Bangalore’s school bus aggregation model, incorporating best practices while avoiding pitfalls to create a system suited to Shillong’s urban landscape. Technology has been a key enabler of STEMS’ success. The IT platform, initially based on NIC’s Starbus, was customized with support from NIC Meghalaya and Uttarakhand, leading to the development of a dedicated app, caretaker app, online tracking, registration, and payment system – ensuring seamless access and monitoring for parents.
The initial response to STEMS was lukewarm, as acknowledged by Education Secretary Swapnil Tembe. However, he noted that demand has surged as parents and students recognized its unique benefits, rarely seen elsewhere in India. He emphasized that STEMS provides both convenience and security, ensuring students are safely escorted to school while parents receive real-time notifications on their mobile phones.
Despite initial scepticism, STEMS has gained strong public acceptance. Today, 900 students use the service, and demand continues to rise. With plans to double the fleet to 60 buses, the initiative is expected to further reduce congestion. However, urban mobility experts emphasize that long-term solutions must include better traffic law enforcement, road infrastructure improvements, and expanded public transport beyond school routes.
Shared Mobility: The Stats That Matter
The impact of STEMS is measurable. It is best understood through hard facts. Each bus accommodates 30 students, meaning that with the existing fleet of 30 buses, 900 students are transported daily. Considering that most private cars carry an average of two students per vehicle, STEMS has already eliminated approximately 450 private cars from Shillong’s roads every day during peak school hours. Once the total fleet reaches 60 buses, the initiative is expected to remove 900 private cars daily during peak school hours.
The success of STEMS has inspired policymakers and stakeholders to think even bigger. Nongthymmai MLA Charles Pyngrope, recognizing the potential of the initiative, recently stated in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly during the Budget Session, “If just 30 buses can bring noticeable relief to Shillong’s traffic congestion, imagine what 300 buses could do.” His idea aligns with that of STEMS, where an expanded fleet could potentially eliminate up to 4,500 private vehicles from Shillong’s roads daily.
National Recognition: a Model for Other Cities
STEMS has earned both local approval and national recognition. In October 2023, Shillong was honoured at the 16th Urban Mobility India Conference and Expo in New Delhi as the “City with the Best Record of Public Involvement in Transport Planning.” The award, presented to STEMS CEO Isawanda Laloo and her team, highlights the collaboration between community members, school authorities, parents, and key government departments, including the District Administration of East Khasi Hills, Shillong Traffic Police, and the Public Works Department. This achievement reflects Meghalaya’s commitment to sustainable mobility and the hard work of the STEMS team.
This recognition has also sparked interest in replicating the model in other congested cities across India. As vehicle numbers and air pollution rise, Shillong’s structured, technology-driven transport system offers valuable lessons. However, experts caution that awards alone do not ensure long-term success. For STEMS to remain effective, it must be continuously evaluated, financially sustainable, and expanded to serve the general public and government employees, ensuring a broader impact on urban mobility.
The Voices of Parents: A Community Perspective
I spoke with parents whose children use the STEMS bus service, and their experiences highlight its real impact. One mother, who previously struggled to get her child to school on time due to unending traffic snarls, shared her relief, saying, “My mornings are so much easier now. The bus arrives on time, and I can track my child’s journey. No more worrying about being stuck in traffic or struggling to find parking.”
Another parent emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the initiative, pointing out that STEMS is far more affordable than hiring private transport. However, some parents voiced concerns about limited route coverage, stressing the need for expansion to serve more schools and residential areas. Their feedback underscores the importance of continuous improvements to maximize STEMS’ benefits.
Beyond Shillong: Expanding STEMS to Tura and Jowai
As STEMS grows in Shillong, other urban centres like Tura and Jowai face worsening traffic that demands similar solutions.
In Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills, congestion is rising due to increasing private vehicles. Even in 2022, at least 150 new vehicles were added to its roads each month – a number that has likely grown. Narrow roads and the lack of public transport have led to frequent gridlocks. Expanding STEMS to Tura could offer parents and students a safer, structured alternative, easing congestion and improving road safety.
Jowai, too, struggles with severe traffic in the town centre particularly during peak school hours, where narrow streets and heavy trucks compete for space, causing frequent bottlenecks. While infrastructure upgrades are essential, introducing STEMS buses could immediately reduce private vehicles on the road, providing much-needed relief.
Expanding the Vision: Public Transport & Govt Staff Services
With STEMS’ success, discussions are underway to expand it beyond students. Shillong’s limited public transport forces reliance on private vehicles, worsening congestion. Extending STEMS to the general public and government employees, including Secretariat staff, could remove hundreds of private cars from city roads during rush hours. Introducing eco-friendly electric and hybrid buses would further align Meghalaya’s transport system with national and global sustainability goals.
Sustaining Impact: Scaling Solutions
While STEMS shows promise, its long-term success depends on careful planning, sustainable funding, route optimization, and public adoption. Financing future expansions – whether through government subsidies, public-private partnerships, or other revenue streams – is crucial to keeping fares affordable while maintaining quality.
Beyond finances, expanding coverage, improving traffic management, and integrating multi-modal transport will maximize impact. Challenges like parking shortages, the need for smaller buses on narrow roads, and fleet expansion must be addressed. Encouraging more parents, commuters, and government staff to shift from private vehicles to shared transport will be key. Optimized routes, digital ticketing, and service expansion can further enhance STEMS’ efficiency and reach.
Urban Mobility: Global Insights for Meghalaya
During my travels to London, Stavanger in Norway, and Singapore, I witnessed how efficient public transport transforms urban mobility. London’s Tube and bus network, with real-time tracking and cashless payments, ensures seamless travel. Stavanger’s Kolumbus system, with electric buses, app-based ticketing, and ferry integration, prioritizes sustainability and efficiency. Singapore’s MRT and AI-driven traffic management set a global standard for congestion-free commuting. These cities prove that smart, well-planned transit systems, backed by technology and policy commitment, can revolutionize urban mobility – offering valuable lessons for STEMS’ expansion in Shillong, Tura, Jowai and other places.
A Vision for the Future: Replicable Model for India
The Meghalaya government’s STEMS Team led by CEO Isawanda Laloo deserves commendation for this transformative initiative. By integrating technology, urban planning, and community engagement, STEMS has created a structured school transport system that other Indian cities can replicate.
While no single solution can eliminate congestion, STEMS proves that well-managed, tech-driven public transport can make a measurable difference. As Shillong embraces smarter mobility, STEMS emerges as a model for sustainable urban transport – one that, if expanded wisely, could become a blueprint for cities across India.
Beyond the Horizon: The Next Leap in Urban Mobility
The success of STEMS highlights a key lesson: solving urban congestion requires smart transport, better infrastructure, and a shift towards shared mobility. Encouraging more residents to adopt public transport is vital for a sustainable future in Meghalaya’s urban centres.
For STEMS to thrive, policymakers, urban planners, and citizens must ensure it remains adaptable, efficient, and financially viable. If managed well, it can transform Meghalaya’s transport landscape and become a national model for sustainable commuting. For Shillong, Tura, Jowai, and beyond, shared mobility is the future – and STEMS is leading the way.
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