Many bus stops in Thimphu lack proper shelters or have damaged facilities, prompting commuters to call for better bus stands. They say waiting for buses becomes particularly difficult during harsh weather. Around 25,000 people use the city bus service every day.
At the bus stop near Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School, students are often seen waiting along the roadside.
With limited space and no proper shelter, some sit on the pavement while others stand and wait for their buses.
For students who travel this route every day, the wait can be particularly difficult during rain, cold weather or strong sunlight.
Drukgi Ugyen Rinzin, a student of Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School in Thimphu, uses the city bus every day. He travels from Babesa to school in the morning and returns home by bus in the evening.
“I have to travel from Babesa to school in the morning and back in the evening. The biggest problem I face while waiting for the bus is the weather. Sometimes it is raining, sometimes it is very cold, and sometimes it is very sunny. It would be very helpful if there were a shelter or seating at the bus stop.”
Like these students, many people in Thimphu depend on city buses for their daily commute.
The capital has around 320 bus stops, but only about 88 have shelters. The remaining stops do not have either a bus bay or a shelter.
As a result, some passengers have to wait along the roadside, often close to moving traffic.
Damaged benches and inadequate seating can make the wait even more difficult.
For commuters, the location of some bus stops also raises safety concerns, particularly during busy hours.
Drukgi Ugyen Rinzin said, “Not only students, but also elderly people find it difficult to wait for long for the bus, so they end up choosing other means of transport. I would like the authorities to reconsider how bus stops are placed. Most bus stops are located close to the road, which could lead to accidents, especially during rush hours.”
However, the experience is different at some other bus stops.
Bus stands in areas such as Changzamtog, Ngabiphu and Changlimithang provide designated spaces where passengers can wait. These newly built bus stops are equipped with lighting and CCTV cameras to improve passenger safety and provide assistance when needed.
“These shelters protect us from the weather, especially the sun and rain. And when we have a lot of things with us, we also feel more secure knowing we can leave our belongings at the bus shelter while we wait,” said Sita Maya, a student of Motithang Higher Secondary School, Thimphu.
Meanwhile, the City Bus Service says it has plans to improve bus stop facilities, but funding remains a challenge.
“There are lots of bus stops that need to be renovated, but there is no capital budget for the city bus service. We receive an operating subsidy from the Ministry of Finance, and with the support of contributors, we are maintaining the bus stops in Thimphu,” said Passang Tshering, the director of City Bus Service. “There are also plans to restructure the entire expressway from Babesa to CSI Changzamtog, and work awards have already been given. To minimise budget losses, we are developing the bus stops in line with the project plan.”
As more people rely on public transport, commuters say bus stops need to keep pace with the city’s growing demand.
For daily passengers, a safe and sheltered place to wait could make their journey more comfortable and secure.
Sherub Dadron Palzom & Pelden Wangchuk
Edited by Passang
