I have a bittersweet memory of using government buses in Kerala. Between 8-10th standard, our family moved to Kollam, (Quilon) Kerala because of my dad’s job. I had to take 2 local buses to get to my school. The 2nd one was always on time and the conductor was a strict person. He would keep the bus well behaved. He would throw anyone out for bad behavior ruthlessly. We felt very safe.
But the first one was terrifying for my sister and I because there would be a probability of some men trying to touch or pinch us whenever they got a chance. We often chose to walk the extra 20 minutes rather than get harassed by them.
I have old and faint memories of KSRTC buses, until about 1990-1991. I used to be terrified of the driving skills and the terrain. Standing required a gymnast's balance, and god forbid, if one found a seat and fell asleep. One of my cousins got her forehead badly cut when the bus stopped suddenly. From early to mid 90s we would hire a local jeep for hilly areas and private taxis for Guruvayoor trips. Now it's all by car.
I have rarely travelled by bus in Mumbai. Fortunate to have lived and studied at locations quite near the railway station. :)
These photos represent such a moment, a mood, a memory. On my first jaunt on a Kerala interstate bus, I was struck by how there was no glass on the windows — just a plastic-coated, foldable flap. When the rain began, I understood why!
During college, Pune's erratic buses made the days adventurous (more on the return home, than the trip to college — though delays just meant more time at the katta, a legit excuse to bunk). My heart always went out to those who needed to be somewhere on time.
True! That’s why the images of the foldable flaps. When I first moved to Mumbai, I was amazed at the punctuality. I used to take the same bus that arrived and left on the dot and took me to the station well before my train, which was also exact to the second left. The trains still leave on time, the buses are not so reliable because the city’s traffic destroyed theor punctuality, which led to changes in frequency and then finally one by one the services reduced.
Good piece. If I recall rightly, it was t s eliot who said things end "..not with a bang, but with a whimper". Your article reminds me of that. BTW, do you use your phone camera for the pics or a cami, or a mix of both. If it's a camera, can you please share the make and model. I want one too, but very confused with the options available. Pls share...
Capital Order by Clara Mattei talks about how austerity leads to facism.
Seems on point. given the state of the world.
Thank you! Will check out the book.
And I think we can all observe that in real time unfortunately!!!
If you were only to be judged for your well researched visual narratives you would probably have a few dozen PhDs by now.
Thank you! The walking and public transport school where all are students :)
Amazing! I love the things you highlight.
I have a bittersweet memory of using government buses in Kerala. Between 8-10th standard, our family moved to Kollam, (Quilon) Kerala because of my dad’s job. I had to take 2 local buses to get to my school. The 2nd one was always on time and the conductor was a strict person. He would keep the bus well behaved. He would throw anyone out for bad behavior ruthlessly. We felt very safe.
But the first one was terrifying for my sister and I because there would be a probability of some men trying to touch or pinch us whenever they got a chance. We often chose to walk the extra 20 minutes rather than get harassed by them.
It’s a terrible place for women. I remember an aunt carrying safety pins with her to attack men who harassed her and her friends :(
Yup, we did that too!
I have old and faint memories of KSRTC buses, until about 1990-1991. I used to be terrified of the driving skills and the terrain. Standing required a gymnast's balance, and god forbid, if one found a seat and fell asleep. One of my cousins got her forehead badly cut when the bus stopped suddenly. From early to mid 90s we would hire a local jeep for hilly areas and private taxis for Guruvayoor trips. Now it's all by car.
I have rarely travelled by bus in Mumbai. Fortunate to have lived and studied at locations quite near the railway station. :)
That hasn’t changed. :( very rough drivers.
Wonder why… I used to think it was because of the topography but even on plain roads they prefer rough driving.
It’s not just KSRTC - bus drivers across India are the same. Daily news in Mumbai too. Check out what happens outside plaza in Dadar last week
'The State of State Transport'
That would have been a better title :)
Had the exact same thought 😂
These photos represent such a moment, a mood, a memory. On my first jaunt on a Kerala interstate bus, I was struck by how there was no glass on the windows — just a plastic-coated, foldable flap. When the rain began, I understood why!
During college, Pune's erratic buses made the days adventurous (more on the return home, than the trip to college — though delays just meant more time at the katta, a legit excuse to bunk). My heart always went out to those who needed to be somewhere on time.
True! That’s why the images of the foldable flaps. When I first moved to Mumbai, I was amazed at the punctuality. I used to take the same bus that arrived and left on the dot and took me to the station well before my train, which was also exact to the second left. The trains still leave on time, the buses are not so reliable because the city’s traffic destroyed theor punctuality, which led to changes in frequency and then finally one by one the services reduced.
Good piece. If I recall rightly, it was t s eliot who said things end "..not with a bang, but with a whimper". Your article reminds me of that. BTW, do you use your phone camera for the pics or a cami, or a mix of both. If it's a camera, can you please share the make and model. I want one too, but very confused with the options available. Pls share...
... sorry, there's a typo in my comment. I meant, smartphone or camera?
I have used a mix of two cameras - IPhone 16 ordinary and a point and shoot camera - Ricoh GR lII X . Easy to carry
🙁