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There is no doubt that for nearly a decade the red bus network has provided a comfortable and affordable mode of transport, operating successfully on our roads with regularly updated routes.
Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that it has not yet evolved into a truly inclusive public transport system. It appears that the broader sections of society have yet to embrace it.
For a long time, this newspaper has kept readers informed about further initiatives such as air‑conditioned bus stops and the provision of small cafeteria facilities. While these efforts are well‑intentioned, they may puzzle the ordinary commuter. Given that bus frequencies generally range between 15 and 25 minutes, the actual waiting time at stops such as Seghaya or Salmaniya is often between five and 15 minutes. For such short durations, it is difficult to understand the necessity of facilities like coffee kiosks or fast‑food outlets.
Although the bus service is steadily improving in several respects, one critical area continues to be neglected: the attitude of the drivers.
On Monday, April 27, I arrived at the Central Market bus stop to take Route A‑1 to Salmaniya. The electronic display indicated that only three buses would arrive in the next 20 minutes, showing Route A‑1 (Isa Town) as arriving in eight minutes. Despite several buses arriving during that time, none were A‑1. Eventually, it became apparent that the display had stopped functioning and was stuck.
The design of this bus stop further compounds the problem. Buses approach from a sharp blind curve, making it impossible for passengers to see an approaching bus until it turns the corner, while drivers cannot see passengers seated inside the bus shelter.
Based on previous experiences, I chose to stand outside in the sun. At precisely 10.32pm, while one bus stopped to pick up passengers, another bus turned from the blind kerb behind it. Due to the stationary bus, neither could I see the approaching bus clearly nor could its driver see me. The bus passed without stopping, and only after it had gone by did I see from its rear display that it was the A‑1 bus I had been waiting for!
If anyone from the red bus company wishes to verify this incident rather than rely solely on my account, they may consult the bus CCTV footage from approximately 10.32 pm at the Central Market bus stop. I should be visible standing with shopping bags, the bus shelter behind me, and one red bus stationary, followed moments later by another bus turning from the blind curve and passing without stopping.
Having observed public transport systems in many international cities, I note that trams or modern buses there stop at every designated stop, regardless of whether passengers are boarding or alighting. At Seghaya bus stop, I have occasionally seen three buses arrive at once, yet due to the prevailing practice, commuters still miss the bus they need.
Drivers must understand that these are local public buses and should stop at every stop as a matter of principle, especially since a waiting passenger may be just a few yards away, hidden under a sun or rain shelter.
In recent months, the company has also changed the route display lighting from a bright yellow to a milky white, which is far less visible, particularly in strong sunlight.
I sincerely wish that company officials would stand at a bus stop and observe how difficult it is to read the display of an approaching bus under such conditions. Furthermore, for several months now, many buses have had no display lights at all, making identification of routes even harder for passengers.
Muhammad
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