As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over Guwahati, Ananya glanced at her watch. It was around 7:45 PM, and she had just finished her shift at a local call centre.

Eager to get home, she hurried to the nearest bus stop, only to find it almost deserted. Though the road was still busy with vehicles, the usual bustle of buses, however, was nowhere to be seen.

Glancing at her watch once again, she looked around her and noticed a few more commuters sharing her predicament.

"Another evening, another wait," Arup, one of the commuters muttered, checking his phone for any ride-hailing options.

Ananya sighed, "It's frustrating. Every evening it is the same story. No buses on offer after dusk, whether it is winters or summers. The buses just vanish as the sun goes down. How are we supposed to get home? Not all of us are rich enough to book a cab every night."

Seema, who was standing near Ananya nodded in agreement.

"I work late shifts regularly. The lack of reliable public transport at evenings is a constant struggle. Cabs are expensive and the bikes always charge extra. Not everyone can afford them," she replied.

Their conversation was interrupted by a notification on Ananya's phone.

"Did you see this?" she asked, showing Seems the news article, "The state cabinet just announced a new flyover project to ease traffic congestion."

Arup, who was listening to their conversation, glanced at the screen, eyebrows furrowing.

"Another flyover? They keep building these infrastructures, but what about improving the existing public transport? We need more buses, especially during late hours," he said.

Ananya nodded, "Exactly. Expanding roads and building flyovers might help, but without a robust public transport system, it's just a temporary fix. The common people like us suffer daily."

Their frustration echoed the sentiments of many Guwahati residents. Despite numerous infrastructure projects, the public transport system, particularly the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC), has been struggling.

Reports have highlighted maintenance issues, with buses showing signs of neglect shortly after deployment.

Additionally, operational disruptions due to staff protests over alleged exploitation have further strained the system.

"I read somewhere that over 66% of residents are dissatisfied with the current public transportation," Seema remarked.

"It's not surprising. We need more than just new roads. We need a reliable, efficient public transport system that caters to everyone's needs, regardless of the time," Arup sighed.

As they continued to wait, the distant hum of an approaching bus broke the silence. Their faces lit up with relief, but the underlying issues remained.

The experiences of Ananya, Seema and Arup highlight the pressing need for comprehensive reforms in Assam's public transport system.

While the Assam government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been proactive in launching numerous infrastructure projects—such as the approval of projects worth Rs 7,876 crore, including a new bridge over the Brahmaputra River and four medical colleges—the public transport system's challenges persist.

Addressing these challenges requires not just infrastructure projects but a holistic approach that prioritises the daily needs of its citizens, ensuring that stories like theirs become tales of the past.

Their experience isn't unique. Many residents of Guwahati face similar challenges due to the early cessation of bus services. This limitation hampers mobility for those working late or attending evening engagements.?

The Heartbeat Of Assam's Transport

The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) has long been the backbone of the state's transportation network, connecting remote areas with major cities.

Known for its affordability and public-centered services, ASTC was vital for citizens’ accessibility.

However, despite numerous government initiatives aimed at revitalizing public transportation, ASTC continues to struggle. ?

Voices From The Streets

A recent survey by the Purvca Foundation revealed that over 66% of Guwahati's residents are dissatisfied with the current public transportation system.

The study highlighted significant challenges that directly impact daily commuters, underscoring the pressing need for reforms. ?

The Road Ahead

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, there lies an opportunity to revitalize Assam's public transport system:

• Extend Bus Service Hours: To accommodate the city's dynamic lifestyle, it's essential to extend bus operations into the late evening, ensuring residents have reliable transportation options at all hours.?
• Enhance Maintenance Protocols: Implementing stringent maintenance schedules and regular inspections will ensure the longevity and safety of the bus fleet, thereby boosting public confidence.?
• Address Workforce Concerns: Engaging in open dialogues with transport staff to address grievances can prevent operational disruptions and promote a harmonious working environment.?
• Leverage Technology: Introducing electronic ticketing systems, GPS tracking, and cashless payment options can streamline operations and enhance user experience. Such initiatives are aligned with sustainable development goals and have been proposed by the Assam State Transport Corporation.
• Public Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for residents to provide feedback will allow for continuous improvement and ensure the transport system evolves in line with public needs.?

The struggle of commuters of Guwahati are often ignored by the Assam cabinet. Instead of taking some "improbable" and "sweet-to-ear" kind of decisions, building a robust public transport system for the citizens must be in the top priority list of the government.

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