THE MYRIAD MOODS OF A BUS TRAVELLER IN CHENNAI

Traveling by the Metropolitan Transport buses in Chennai can be quite an experience. As someone who would just watch the buses on the road and be shocked at the way people hang out of it, I’ve progressed to becoming a regular bus traveler, even enjoying it to a certain degree.

I’ve traveled by quite a few of the routes within the city, and the first thought that strikes me upon seeing these buses is the plight of the drivers. While its difficult negotiating a two-wheeler or even a small four-wheeler in the traffic, it must be an absolute nightmare to drive such a huge vehicle. Our bus drivers however, have figured out ingenious ways to beat the traffic. For a bus stand that’s situated on the left hand side of the road, you’ll find the bus driver going all the way to the right lane, and then, switching just in time to the left lane. And if its too crowded for him to switch lanes? Oh, then you’ll just have to wade through traffic to get in wherever he has decided to stop – which may even be in the middle of the road, or usually – about 10 feet either before or after the actual bus stop.

Another trick that these guys resort to is to actually follow the previous vehicle. And this doesn’t mean following a few feet behind, but following with a space of a precious few inches between the two bumpers. This can be a nightmarish experience especially when you’re learning to drive a car and find a bus behind you. There were many times when I imagined my car would be hit, but just then, Mr. Bus Driver would decide to hit the brakes and with a sound akin to someone wheezing, the bus would halt inches away from my car, while I wait for my heart to start beating again.

Being inside the bus, however is a totally different experience. And for those of you who are not familiar with taking the bus, its important to know that the joy/terror of this experience is dependent on many factors such as time of the day, route of the bus, and the like. I do actually like taking the bus, sometimes.

During the middle of the afternoon, or at any time around early evening, most buses plying would be a little empty. A seat to myself, with the radio or music of my choice playing through headphones and a window to look out of can actually be a lot of fun. And if you are the kind who loves looking out of the window, its actually a nice way to learn about the city and its topography. Its also a lovely chance to spend some time with yourself, for those who like to self-introspect… :)

A few hours later, and taking the same bus would become a nightmarish experience. Crowded beyond capacity, with hot, sweaty men and women crowding around you, with barely any space to move. If you have a big bag or something with you, you’re bound to invite the wrath of co-passengers for taking up so much room. There’s an odd sense of fear that grips me at these times – the fear of inviting the attention of one of the innumerable perverts, and of having to keep an eye on my purse all the time. Combined with hunger at the end of a long day – I’d be waiting to get home for dinner!

There are some distinct experiences that certain buses would give, though. Any of the buses traveling through Saidapet, would leave your heart bleeding at the sight of so many children, barely dressed in anything, and eating off the floor of the bus terminus. A 19G isn’t a pleasant ride either. It travels through Kovalam with women carrying bags and baskets of raw fish on their heads. Koyambedu buses sometimes have women carrying baskets of flowers… they would start tying the flowers when they get in and finish the entire bagful by the last stop, filling the bus with lovely scents!

Regardless of all the improvements that we still require, it has to be admitted that we have one of the best bus transport systems in the country... So, the next time you take a bus... Enjoy the ride, and the chance to appreciate namma Madras! :)