Starting tomorrow, 16 shuttle buses will provide free shuttle services in Gelephu. The services will connect Gelephu town with nearby areas to facilitate transportation for visitors coming for the raising of 108 stupas on Sunday.
The buses will operate from 8 AM to 9 PM, departing every 20 minutes along five designated routes.
Sonam Chophel, Chief Transport Officer at the BCTA Regional Office in Gelephu, outlined the routes. “Route one will ply between Gelephu town and Lodari, route two between the town and Phurpa Lhakhang, route three between the town and Dechenpelri, route four between the town and Pemathang Chorten, and route five between the town and Yangtsholing Tara,” he said.
Bus services
From 1st November, more than 130 buses will provide services. Buses will operate from designated bus stands between 12:30 AM and 9 AM. During the daytime, services will be provided based on demand, before resuming from 3 PM to 9 PM after the programme.
On 2nd, 3rd and 4th November, buses will operate from designated bus stands between 5:30 AM and 10 AM. Services will resume after the programme, running from 3 PM to 9 PM to transport people to various destinations.
To ensure safety and smooth operations, an official or volunteer will be assigned to each bus. Special arrangements will also be made for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
According to the Chief Transport Officer, there are 18 identified bus terminals and 34 taxi stands in Gelephu and other areas, including Sarpang, Umling and Chhuzergang.
“Senior citizens above 65 years of age and persons with disabilities, along with their companions or caregivers, will be dropped off directly at Zeerays,” Sonam Chophel said.
Free taxi services
Meanwhile, free taxi services will begin on the evening of 31 October to further facilitate transportation for visitors attending the historic event. Over 1,600 taxis have volunteered to provide the service.
Kinley Dem
