PEMA TSHOMO
Thimphu
After a five-month detour caused by a need for fine-tuning and democratic necessities, Thimphu’s ambitious pilot project, a dedicated lane for city buses, is finally revving up for its inaugural journey.
This initiative, more than just a traffic tweak, marks a bold step towards a cleaner, more efficient future for the Bhutanese capital’s transportation landscape.
However, taxi drivers and private vehicles are becoming more concerned about the pilot project permanently.
An official of the city bus service said, “The particular left lane bus priority service was initially proposed in August last year, but the project was put on hold for further studies like feasibility and to navigate the electoral season, so it was not feasible to proceed within the proposed time frame.”
Starting January 18, a comprehensive feasibility study conducted by the Thimphu Thromde delved into traffic patterns, infrastructure limitations, and vehicle movement during peak and off-peak hours. “The findings of this in-depth analysis form the roadmap for the project’s rollout, ensuring a data-driven approach to tackling the city’s congestion woes,” the official said.
“The new rule isn’t for the way to busses. The priority lane, stretching from Babesa Zero to the Changzamtog flyover bridge during peak hours, is only the first phase of a multi-pronged strategy,” he said.
Further, access to this exclusive lane isn’t restricted solely to city buses; all buses, ambulances, fire trucks, emergency vehicles, police escort vehicles, VIP vehicles, and any other vehicles carrying seriously ill people in need of emergency care are permitted to utilize the route.
This inclusive approach recognizes the interconnectedness of the transportation system, acknowledging that taxis when used efficiently can also benefit rather than compete with public buses.
“The primary motives of the priority lane are to clear traffic jams and reduce vehicular emissions. Since the imports of private vehicles have increased, fuel import numbers have increased in the country,” he said.
The official added that the initiative will radically reduce the expenditure of private people and that they can travel and arrive at their exact destination at the right time.
Meanwhile, the official said that the second phase of the project hinges on a feedback loop. Public opinion gathered through thoughtfully distributed forms and monitored through the vibrant lens of Thromde’s social media platforms will play a crucial role in shaping its direction.
This commitment to community engagement reflects a refreshing departure from top-down imposition, instead opting for a collaborative approach that empowers Thimphu residents to be stakeholders in their city’s transformation.
According to the official, “The effort to dedicate an entire lane was driven by a vision for a cleaner and greener Thimphu. This project isn’t just about easing traffic jams; it’s about reducing fuel imports and, consequently, carbon emissions.”
He said every city bus gliding past idling cars translates to a tangible reduction in our environmental footprint. This, in turn, he said will contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Moreover, the official also highlighted how prioritizing bus lanes will improve their dependability and efficiency. “Imagine hopping on a city bus and knowing it won’t be bogged down by the same bumper-to-bumper crawl faced by private vehicles. This newfound reliability can entice more residents to ditch their cars and embrace public transportation, further reducing congestion and reducing carbon emissions.”
“Of course, challenges lie ahead,” the official stressed, highlighting the points on implementing new systems that will inevitably cause bumps along the road, requiring clear communication, adaptation, and a willingness to adjust based on real-time feedback.
However, with a data-driven approach, public participation and a clear vision for a cleaner, greener future, these city bus priority lane pilot projects have the potential to truly steer the city in the right direction.
Dendup, a taxi driver stated, “The difficulty in following the lane restriction, where taxis are only allowed with two or more passengers during peak hours, has resulted in delays for passengers during rush hours.”
“I’m concerned that we might have fewer passengers if this bus priority lane is put in place permanently. With passengers growing more dissatisfied with taxi drivers and public transportation growing faster,” he said.
Similarly, another taxi driver, Rinchen Gyeltshen, opined, “The morning from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. is our peak hour, where we have an advantage to drive taxis, since at this hour most office goers are rushing to reach on time. Even in the evening, we ferry employees who are off for work between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.”
As the city official said, this project is a statement of dedication to advancement, sustainability, and inclusivity—it’s more than simply asphalt and buses. It demonstrates the city’s conviction that group efforts, supported by information and directed by citizen involvement, may open the door to a cleaner, brighter future.
Though the official noted that this pilot bus priority is merely an experiment or a trial and is seeking feedback, he expressed concern for taxi drivers as well. If things don’t work out as planned, they can be adjusted, or there will be other ways to get through the roadblocks.
“So, let’s not just see it as a traffic flow update, but as a hopeful omen for a city embracing a greener and more sustainable future with these pilot periods. Although the trial phase is scheduled to last until students return to school, drivers’ and commuters’ concerns point to the need for a more thorough and inclusive strategy,” he said.
