As a part of Panaji’s Smart City Mission, e-bus services commenced in July 2024 and has picked up steam due to route coverage, affordable ticket fare, air-conditioning, low-floor and comfortable seats. Yet, there are some pesky issues that hamper the service. Along some routes conductors are absent and the drivers double up as one. This matter could be resolved by appointing conductors so that the drivers will concentrate on their task. Conductors will help passengers who are aged, physically challenged, pregnant or are carrying heavy bags and also guide passengers to board the correct bus. Presently, the 48 e-buses have seven colour-coded routes but not everyone can remember them and first-time passengers find it difficult to board the correct bus. Furthermore, the routes are displayed in scrolling words at the front and back of the buses and in English and Konkani. A simple, old-fashioned way would be to have boards fixed on the front, back and on the boarding side that would mention the start and end points and the major via routes. Example, “Panaji to Dona Paula via old Caranzalem Road,” “Panaji to Taleigao via St Inez,” Panaji to GMC via Santa Cruz,” etc.
