Sunday, January 10, 2010

GIP India, Day 4, Pune Bus Ride.

We got Ashish (Our Symbiosis Officer) to accompany us on our jalan trip today and decided to try out the bus service. Things in Singapore are always smooth-sailing, on time, on target each time and I wonder how it fares to the ones here in Pune.

India,Bus Ride,Pune
Bus Ride Cam-whore.

Bus-stops are everywhere in Pune. The question is, how do we spot them. I difficulty finding bus-stops, because they are either in a bad condition, or "under renovation." You expect some sort of information board at the bus stop, but is none. So getting around is really difficult. Fortunately, we got Ashish to bring us along and it does not seem at all difficult for the locals to get around.

India,Bus Ride,Pune
Old School Bus Conductor.

India,Bus Ride,Pune
Old School Bus Tickets.

India,Bus Ride,Pune
Pull on the rope once to ring the bell and stop the bus. Pull twice to tell the driver to go.

The bus doesn't stop completely to allow us to board, and we had to slow jog to board it. After boarding, we report to the conductor and tell him where we will be going. He will then tell us the price and hand us the ticket accordingly. Very OLD school.

We did not have to wait for long for the buses to arrive. In fact, those 3 bus rides that we took gave me an impression that the Pune bus service is kinda OKAY. One just have to ask around and should be on their way pretty soon. A 10 - 15 minutes bus ride costs 6 rupees (about SGD$0.18), non-airconditioned, bumpy ride.

India,Bus Ride,Pune
Ashish and Raj.

India,Bus Ride,Pune
When Night comes.

India,Bus Ride,Pune
A Supposedly EMO shot.

India,Bus Ride,Pune
Bus Rides are Fun!

Will I take a bus ride on my own? I'd say its a yes! Provided that I got the info beforehand from someone I trust on which bus to board, I think its a convenient and cheap way to travel within Pune. But for ladies, it is best that you get someone to accompany you. During the bus ride, we saw a lady getting harassed by a man, who kept leaning on to her as they were seated. Fortunately, the lady was brave and changed her seat, away from the man.

Ahhh... I love good endings!

So anyway, I had a "Mud Facial" and played cricket with the locals. I'll blog on that when I have boring days kies! Good night!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

i still remember, i used long wooden ruler or get an adult passenger to help me press the bus bell..we are all very lucky here to have fully aircon public bus and not to mention the mrt...for fast and smooth destinations...mama

Anonymous said...

Nice photos,how about some photos of their motobikes and cars especially well decorated or modified Suzuki Swift?......Papa

Unknown said...

hehehe..
This was Singapore in the 70's. Bus conductor and all!
I used to collect the colourful bus tickets. They were quite pretty.. I think I will love this place, Pune. Like going back in time!

Thanks for the story, Yat!

Anonymous said...

heys!
its me, Nurus.. ahmad's sister.. nice photos there! seems like u guys are having a lot of fun.. do keep on updating yea? and tell Ahmad to open up a blog as well so i can comment and read.. heh.. take care!

Mr Wise Guy said...

Nurus,

Glad to hear you enjoyed the photos! I will keep on updating as long as I got the time and internet connection yea! Made that promise to my parents and friends, so dont worry. About Ahmad's blog, I'll tell him that kies.

Keep on reading and commenting! It makes my blogging so worthwhile! :)

Mr Wise Guy said...

Wak yana,

This place is super old school with those bus conductors and 3-wheeled taxis, but at the same time has high-speed internet connection. Interesting isn't it?

Keep on commenting!

Mr Wise Guy said...

Ma & Pa,

I believe that we Singaporeans take our public transport for granted. Air-conditioned buses are reserved for the rich and famous only, and most of the buses here are non-aircon.

Nevertheless, there are a Gazillion Suzuki Swifts here. But it seems that the Indians do not favour modifying or adding sideskirts to their cars.

Keep on commenting ma & pa!

Anonymous said...

Very interesting pictures!
They bring me back to bygone years and let me reminisce on scences that was once familiar to me.

Glad I m able to have an insight to India. Hope to see more write ups from you.

Auntie Mei Fang