The public transport bus service between Zhemgang and Gelegphu has been discontinued for about two weeks now, much to the chagrin of the locals.
They say the service was stopped abruptly and that they were not even informed about it. The bus service is a critical means of transportation for many in Zhemgang and Gelegphu.
“People like us cannot ask or take lift in other people’s personal cars so we have no choice but to wait for taxis,” said a villager from Zhemgang, Sonam Tashi.
Another villager, Kinlay Dema, said sometimes they end up waiting for a vehicle the entire day.
They say getting a lift to Gelegphu is difficult and even if they take a cab, it cost them five times more.
The Regional Transport Officer in Gelegphu said the service was discontinued after the operator requested for it in writing citing the business has not been profitable.
The operator had stated that he had incurred excessive loss and that what he earns hardly covers fuel expenses.
The Regional Transport Officer said they are working on bringing the bus service back. He said an announcement will made soon inviting other interested public service bus operators to reinstate the service between Zhemgang and Gelegphu.
The Officer also added the public transport service between Gelegphu and Nganglam, too, is most likely to meet with similar fate. The bus operator has already submitted a letter for withdrawal of service for the same reason.
