Travel time is vital in public transport. It shapes how people plan their day, affects their mood, and even their work. But in many parts of Nepal, this issue is often ignored. Even on good roads, people still face delays – not because of traffic, but poor service and weak systems.
Take the route from Surkhet to Nepalgunj. The road is fine. Yet, passengers often wait long before the journey begins. Drivers stall, circling the town for extra passengers. One traveler shared how a 7 a.m. trip started over an hour late. When asked why, the driver replied rudely, “If you don’t like it, take your own car.”
This kind of attitude is common. Many drivers ignore schedules and wait until every seat – and often the aisles – are full. There are no rules to stop this. Even with traffic police nearby, violations go unchecked. Sadly, some passengers also add to the issue by boarding overloaded vehicles.
These delays don’t just make people late. They make travel hot, crowded, and exhausting. In summer, sitting in packed vehicles for hours is a daily struggle for many.
A 12-hour jam on the Butwal–Narayanghat road during an educational trip shows how worse things can get. Roadwork, damage, and landslides blocked traffic. With no toilets, food, or water, students and teachers were left stranded. These problems go beyond what nature causes. They reveal a lack of care and planning.
Another issue is the growing number of vehicles. Drivers compete hard for passengers. Often, a traveler rides in one van while their bags go in another. This happens due to poor coordination and rivalry among drivers and conductors.
Many vehicle owners want to avoid running empty and cover their costs. But that shouldn’t come at the cost of a passenger’s comfort or time. Public transport should serve people, not exploit them.
The system needs urgent change. Here are a few key steps:
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Enforce Departure Times
Government and local bodies must ensure that vehicles leave on time, even if not full. -
Train Drivers and Staff
Teach them to treat passengers with respect. Poor behavior and delays must not be the norm. -
Modernize the System
Use real-time tracking and fixed schedules. Let people report problems. Penalize rule breakers. -
Raise Public Voice
When people speak up, the pressure builds. Media, civil groups, and passengers must highlight these issues.
The role of traffic police is also key. In cities like Surkhet and Nepalgunj, officers are visible but often passive. Drivers break rules, stop illegally, and overload – yet go unpunished.
There’s also an underground system where drivers pay “brokers” to bring passengers. This informal setup wastes time. Vehicles wait too long to fill seats, delaying everyone. It’s unofficial, but widely accepted – and it’s making things worse.
Public transport isn’t just about moving people. It’s part of daily life. If the system causes delays, discomfort, and stress, it’s failing its purpose. Even with good roads, a bad ride breaks trust.
Nepal needs a transport system that respects time, comfort, and dignity. It’s time for change – one that truly puts passengers first.
