Beyond My Commute: Why Nepal's Public Transport System Needs a Revolution

My Personal Odyssey: From Daily Commuter to Concerned Citizen

A few years ago, my daily commute in Nepal was a constant battle. Overcrowded buses, unreliable schedules, rude staff, and poorly maintained vehicles that often felt like a "one-way route to heaven" due to reckless driving and thick black smoke. These frustrations eventually pushed me towards a private vehicle. My story, I’ve come to realize, is not unique. It’s a reflection of a deeper, systemic issue within Nepal’s public transportation.

The Backbone That Buckles: A System in Crisis

Public transport in Nepal is undeniably the backbone of mobility for the majority, with over 90% of domestic movement relying on roads 9. Yet, as my experience vividly illustrated, it often functions more like a bottleneck. The issues I faced – overcrowding, unreliability, discomfort, lack of cleanliness, and rude behavior – are widespread 2. This isn't just about personal inconvenience; it's about a fundamental failure to provide a safe, efficient, and dignified service for its users.

Challenges Beyond the Bus Stop:

• No Place for All: For individuals with disabilities, public transport is often exclusionary, forcing them to adapt to a system not built for their needs 2. The daily struggle of just getting on or off a bus for someone like Limbu, who travels from Bhaktapur to Chabahil, highlights this critical gap 2.
• Safety and Accountability Gaps: The absence of proper CCTV surveillance in public vehicles creates an environment where theft, assault, and misconduct can go unchecked 2. Reema BK's experience of losing her purse on a bus, despite finding the vehicle, underscores the lack of security and accountability 2. In contrast, cities like Delhi have implemented CCTV, panic buttons, and tracking apps to enhance safety and reliability 2.
• Poor Management and Coordination: The sector is often characterized by numerous uncoordinated private operators, leading to duplicated routes and a general lack of proper ticketing and management 4. This often results in drivers waiting until vehicles are overly full, disregarding schedules and passenger comfort 6.
• Infrastructure vs. System: There's a persistent government focus on road widening as a solution to traffic congestion, but this often leaves sustainable public transportation development in the shadows 17. Experts emphasize that traffic issues cannot be solved by expanding road infrastructure alone; once demand exceeds capacity, the problems recur 17.

The Way Forward: A Shift in Strategy

Nepal needs a strategic shift towards prioritizing public transport development 1. As a recent symposium in Kathmandu highlighted, quality public transport is essential for building a just, equitable, and livable community 3.

• Integrated Approach: Sustainable transport management requires an integrated program of developing public transport systems and road widening simultaneously, not just focusing on roads 1.
• Modernization and Technology: Implementing digital payment systems, tracking apps, and CCTV surveillance, as seen in neighboring countries, can significantly improve efficiency and safety 2.
• Passenger-Centric Focus: Public transport must value people's time, comfort, and dignity 6. This means enforcing strict schedules, training staff to treat passengers with respect, and ensuring vehicles are well-maintained 6.
• Political Will and Investment: The issues facing public transport rarely become a major agenda for politicians, despite their severity 9. Strategic policy implementation, investment in infrastructure, and improved road safety measures are crucial for Nepal’s transportation development 58. The success of Sajha Yatayat's e-buses, running at a profit, demonstrates the potential of investing in modern, larger capacity electric vehicles 3.

My journey with public transport pushed me to a private vehicle, but the larger narrative is about empowering millions. It's time for Nepal to transform its public transportation from a daily struggle into a source of pride, efficiency, and safety for all its citizens.

References:

1. https://www.b360nepal.com/detail/5822/public-transportation-issues-challenges-and-way-forward
2. https://theannapurnaexpress.com/story/55090/
3. https://kathmandupost.com/columns/2025/04/13/public-transport-for-a-livable-community
4. https://speakupnepal.org/en/post/f8YCZZsVAyqWGDDx
5. https://www.scribd.com/document/832000743/Challenges-and-Opportunities-in-Nepal-s-Transportation-System
6. https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/travel-delay-and-passenger-discomfort-a-silent-crisis-on-nepals-roads
7. https://www.borgenmagazine.com/paving-the-way-improving-transportation-in-nepal/
8. https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/transportation-challenges-in-nepal-consequences-and-solutions
9. https://english.onlinekhabar.com/public-transport-in-nepal-problems.html
10. https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/62993