Advantages of a Crowded Kolkata Bus

While going for office or going home, we all invariably prefer a vacant bus to travel. On a wishful Saturday, I got out of my office and caught a bus, which to my surprise, was vacant! On my 20 minutes ride, I realized some facts that became the name of this topic. Here are some of the advantages of a crowded Kolkata bus or rather disadvantages of a vacant bus-

1. The Kolkata state buses are famous to be very rash. The crowded buses always give you ‘buffer’ so that you don’t fall due to rash driving. Why? Because, you are always sandwiched and stuffed by your co-passengers. Otherwise, you have to be expert gymnast to avoid falling.

2. In a vacant bus, as there are very little people in, no one to ogle. (Who said girls don’t ogle?)

3. There is no one to make fun of, make story of or make laugh of.

4. If you are regular in the route, you are very likely to bump on some old friend, colleague or relative. This may help you in two ways.

(i) If the person is some-one like uncle/aunty stature, you may be sure that he/she will get the ticket for you.

(ii) A free social meet.

5. There is no chance to escape the ticket in a vacant bus. Conductor is very sure who is having the ticket and who is not. (if you are running short of money, make sure to get in a crowded bus!)

6. No drama. This is the biggest disappointment in a vacant bus. The dramas play a vital part in the Kolkata bus journeys. Like-

(i) Suddenly an uncle screams that the driver delayed and signal fell. Then there
starts discussions, debate, arguments and at last howling that may lead even to the recent nuclear deal of India with America! And the verdict? Buddha babu must resign!

(ii) Suddenly a scream of an aunty comes as she is very angry that the bus fare is 50
paisa higher than her last ride!

(iii) Yet another scream of an aunty! Asking the nearest male passenger ‘ektu sare daran to!’(‘please move aside!’) And there starts another round of discussions, debate……etc.etc.


With so much spice, entertainment, comedy and errors, who would like to avoid the crowded bus? At least not me!