In Indonesia, a trash swap programme has been launched on 20 of its public buses whereby each bus has recycling bins that accept plastic waste as ticket fare. So, if a passenger brings three large bottles, five medium bottles or 10 plastic cups, he/she can enjoy an hour-long bus ride without giving any money. Isn’t that cool?
However, state-run buses in India are a different story altogether. While they are quite affordable and conveniently accessible to the masses, their infrastructure and maintenance is a huge concern.
Case in point, this incident that has gone viral. A passenger travelling in an Uttar Pradesh bus had to take the help of an umbrella to escape the rainwater spilling through the roof.
According to The Times of India, the public bus in question (UP50 BT 4018) is run by the UP State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and takes passengers from Ambedkar depot in Azamgarh region.
As a consequence of the video going viral, the junior foreman has been suspended by UPSRTC MD Raj Shekhar. He has also ordered disciplinary action against the senior foreman and a probe against the service manager of the Azamgarh region.
We hope that this incident serves as a wake-up call to the authorities and enables them to take concerted steps with regard to the maintenance of public transport.