The danger of COVID-19 is closer than ever. Just a few days ago, the country reported its highest single-day new infections of 100 cases. The health ministry has been urging the people to follow COVID-19 protocols at all time, however, many are still not following it. A good example is the crammed city buses in the capital ferrying passengers during peak hours that have little or no space to practice physical distancing.
Urmila, a high school student residing in Bebena, commutes to school and returns home using the city bus service. But recently, due to the closure of the Zilukha-Hejo road, her journey has become even more challenging. The sheer number of passengers availing themselves of the bus service is one problem. Getting late for school is another and the worst is her fear of the coronavirus.
“There is the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the bus, I can’t see the practice of social distancing,” said Urmila Subba, a student in Thimphu.
Like her, many people travel via city buses.
A city bus has a capacity to carry 50 people, with 28 seats and space for 22 standing passengers. The Thromde, who looks after the city buses, says the buses currently operate at full capacity.
At the City Bus station, authorities control the crowd and maintain records of the commuters. However, once the people are on board, practising physical distancing is almost impossible.
Urmila says maybe it is time for the country to have an efficient public transportation system. She says then people like her will not have to go through all these avoidable challenges.
Yeshi Dorji
