Today I’m going to deflect from what I have been writing and tell you about a survival technique. Not from a life-threatening situation, but simply how to survive on a bus ride in my country.
As you may have heard, Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, is a breathtaking travel destination that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences. However, I won’t be discussing that as there are already thousands of stories written about it that you can easily find through a search.
Corrupting makes a country go down in many ways. One of the worst outcomes is people trying to live however they can, just to keep their life going. Go through what I’m saying.
When children are crying for food at home, even the most honest man will try to steal.
That’s the nature. If you haven’t experienced that, think how lucky you are.
1. Comfortability 🚌
It is not a secret that corruption has infiltrated the public transportation system. Politicians are taking high commissions when buying transporting vessels, resulting in deplorable conditions in buses. So, don’t expect air-conditioned or comfortable seats in most cases.
2. Do some background check about the cost 🚌
Keep this in mind if you do not want to be a victim of a possible scam. Some conductors are taking more money than what it takes for the ride. Always check or do some background checks about the ticket prices for your ride. The best way is to ask a local who is on the bus. They will help you out.
Be aware that the ticket pricing is constantly changing in Sri Lanka. So, you could be paying more.
3. The Semi-luxury Scam 🚌
The buses having blue color labels were known to be semi-luxury buses. What made them semi-luxury was they promised that all passengers would have a seat and no one would travel standing. And they charge 50% more than the normal charges. However, the reality is far from semi-luxury. These buses were more uncomfortable than normal buses, with:
- Lesser space.
- Less foot space.
- Less seat space.
In most cases, it looks like this: So, try to avoid them. There are more than enough buses to travel.
Furthermore, now semi-luxury buses have no legal right to charge more. That term has banned from Sri Lanks by the law, but still exist for today due to political interventions. (Most of private buses belongs to politicians).
So, the best thing to do is, just avoid them.
4. Beggers 🚌
During bus rides, especially on long routes, it’s common to encounter beggars who claim to require a kidney transplant or some other medical treatment urgently. They often present fake medical records or X-rays and ask for money they cannot afford. It can be quite frustrating to deal with such situations.
In some cases, individuals board with a sleeping infant who may not be their own, possibly having induced sleep through drugs or other means. Never fall for them. They are 99.99 fake.
What’s funny is they probably have more wealth than you and me.😅 So, ask them if you are lacking. (Just kidding. Don’t do that).
5. Music is worst than poop 🚌
Ah! This is the worst. The loud, uncomfortable music with a booming bass that makes you vibrate along with the music is unpleasant. I’m not saying that every bus has this problem. Sometimes you can enjoy a beautiful song playing smoothly on the bus. But there are other times when you have to endure this misery.
So, what if you find the music too loud or unpleasant and can’t bear to listen to them anymore? Try talking to the conductor politely, and asking them to lower or stop the music.
The reason why some people listen to certain types of music is due to their lack of education on different genres. They may assume that you will enjoy the same music as them. However, if you politely express your preferences, most people will understand the situation and respect your wishes.
But, that’s not the case if you find the “Loudmouth” on your bus. The savage conductor. Here is what to do if you find one of those in your ride.
6. The Savage Conductors 🚌
If you have ridden on a bus a few times, you must have encountered some rude and unprofessional conductors. They tend to shout and blame everyone, even innocent children, for no apparent reason. Their only objective is making more money, and they are always trying to fill the bus to the max.
Don’t ever fear them. Talk them back if they are doing something wrong or uncomfortable for you. The locals around you will back you up.
7. Reckless acts of bus drivers 🚌
The races. This is also one of the most unpleasant and dangerous situations you could face during a ride. It is unfortunate that some drivers lack humanity and understanding of the great responsibility they bear as bus drivers. They go for races, so can more passengers onboard, which poses a great risk to everyone’s safety.
This has a contrasting side also. Sometimes the drivers are not driving at all. They stop and keep staying in a location for eternity, driving the passengers mad, since the time matters for everyone. But for such drivers, that extra money is worth more than other people.
So, if you feel that driving is life-threatened, or annoying as above, or for any possible reason that you feel not going well, unlawfully, there is a place you can call.
Where to complain?
📞NTC: 1955 (Troll Free)
Complain directly to the National Transport Commission.
📞SLTB: 011-7 555 555
You can call the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) at 011–7 555 555 to file a complaint about bus services. You can include complaints about Bus service shortcomings, Bus malfunctions, Fuel siphoning, Removing spare parts, and Other fraudulent activities.
📞Private Bus Complaints: 071-6 550 000
You can also make private bus-related complaints by SMSing 071 6550000.
If you ever have faced this type of unpleasant situation, please try to share it here. So, everyone can know them.
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