A 'Bumpy' Ride

A Bumpy Ride

We Mumbaikars [ssup Raj !] have to use 3 major modes of transport :

1. The lifesaver -Autorickshaw

2.The Endurance tester- Train

3.The Multi-Populated Transporter- Bus

The heading for no.3 can be applicable for trains too but [cummon folks] for now  the terms stick. The lifesaver in other words the Auto is so named as u can always use the option which leads you straight to your destination [if the rick driver or you know where !!]

The train is named the endurance tester because it really needs lots of guts [and nasal control] for some1 to travel by train. First of all you are ushered into the compartment like the BMC packs together stray dogs in their vehicle. Secondly the sheer no of people sitting, standing, hanging will overwhelm you. It is assured that you effectively lose a third of yourself by continuous train travelling. Thirdly [and most disgustingly] not everybody in the compartment are aware about the term- 'Personal Hygiene' !!!

In case you feel you are running late for an important meeting/ presentation and you dont have an option of your private vehicle, it is advisable to go by auto or by bus. The 3rd option is STRICTLY Not Advisable. Because if you read this and still bother to venture by train, by the time you get down at the station you look like a trim garden been unseemingly tresspassed upon. Enough said, lets focus upon the 3rd and vital mode of transport- the multi-populated Bus.

              Its really a bumpy ride because of :

1. The sheer amount of potholes on the road which makes the craters on the moon seem decent !!! not to mention the zillions of times the driver slams the brakes unnecessariliy [whatever]

2. The no of people squeezed inside a bus- the max capacity would only be 60 standees but on an average a bus will contain around 100 people !!! 

3. The most irritating person- also known as the Conductor who is ignorant of how to Conduct himself. 

                 I'll emphasize upon point no.3

We have many types of conductors. Some just give the tickets and hardly speak as if they use their mouths very rarely. Others seem to use ONLY their mouths for no apparent reason. Some others CANNOT use their mouths due to chewing of paan, etc.............

The MOST COMMON prolem is of CHANGE. 

It will do a lot of good to simply CHANGE such conductors, but i am talking about loose Money- CHANGE. I just cant grasp why they have so much problem with it. Their pockets will be full of jingling coins but when you give him Rs. 10 for a ticket worth Rs 5/6 he stares at it as if you are showing him a dead leaf !! He grumbles and sports a grimace as if he is undergoing some painful, internal stuggle and asks for change. How much chage can 1 person posibly carry ?? You give him change for 2 weeks and one day you ask him sternly for change- that is equal to inviting him for a shouting competition- it seems as if he gives change from his own personal legacy- he'll start with the argument that you are being insolent, that you should always carry change no matter what and lastly such people are the cause of degrading the standard of Mumbai- as if he himself is a priceless Gemstone  !!

Due to my electronic card which is like a credit card in which you pay the money in advance for a months worth of tickets at the depot [Smart Card !!], I dont have to indulge in any word battles with him. 

The no of people chatterring in the bus is also huge. Children crying, husbands and wives prolonging their household arguments, others shouting on their mobile phones coupled with the constant honking of the horn by the driver, some unfortunate change-less person arguing with the conductor - all this leaves you ear drums to plead for mercy !!!

But thanks to the Bus, I have many friends, who go on the same route, from different colleges. many of us simply plug in earfones to our ears to avoid the noise, others discuss about studies or worldly issues.   

The bus represents a peice of society which is mobile but is a representation of people's lives. You'll find all kinds of people travelling in it as the fare is subsidized- college students, people going to work, people going for various other things etc. It is very compact and people are very close to each other [physically due 2 no space !!] here at least as compared to the actual world outside the bus.

As years go by, and people acquire their own private vehicles, they leave the habit of travelling via public transport. A collection of various people embarged with so many daily troubles who are still warm to you if you ask the route or a stop. But the flavour and variety of life in a Bus or a train can NEVER be found in the cozyness of your 2/4 wheeler !!