Commuters in Trashigang and Trashi Yangtse are calling for better infrastructure at their public bus stations. Both districts lack designated bus sheds. Without such facilities, travellers face difficulties, especially during the rainy season, as their luggage often gets soaked.
At Trashi Yangtse, where there is no bus station, buses park in an open designated area to load and unload passengers’ luggage. There are no public toilets nearby. Tickets are sold from a hotel, and travellers have no proper resting space.
In Trashigang, although there is a larger structure housing the BCTA office and ticket counters, there are still no bus sheds.
Every day, around four to five public buses leave for various destinations from the two districts. Without proper bus stations and sheds, travellers and drivers struggle, particularly during the rainy season.
“We have to load luggage ourselves early in the morning. But when it rains, passengers’ belongings get wet. Some get angry and even blame us, but we have no choice except to stay silent. Unlike Thimphu and other places, we don’t have a proper station here,” said Karma Wangdi, Bus Conductor, Trashi Yangtse.
“Passengers’ luggage gets wet when we load without a roof at the station. They often complain, but we try to explain. Some understand, but others don’t. It is a problem for them too, as their clothes and belongings get soaked,” said Cheki Wangchuk, Bus Driver, Trashigang.
The Monggar Regional Transport Office, which oversees the two districts, said there are no current plans or budget to construct such infrastructure.
The office added that space constraints in Trashigang also pose a challenge, though future plans could be considered if required.
Meanwhile, the Trashi Yangtse District Administration said that while there is no budget in the current financial year, they plan to construct sheds and restrooms in the next financial year.
Until these structures are developed, commuters and drivers will continue to face the same challenges.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Kipchu
