Jan 29, 2008 04:04 PM
5271 Views
I travelled on the 9 pm Goa-Pune recliner bus on 27th January along with my family. The bus was very well maintained and it reached Pune on time. The driver was skilled and careful in his driving.
Despite this, we ended up having an extremely uncomfortable journey, thanks to a particular member of your staff(cleaner). This person was extremely rude to passengers, refused to lower down the AC in the bus. It was so chilly that it was impossible to sleep. He was very rude to my husband when we complained of diesel fumes inside the bus. We noticed that the diesel smell was coming from the AC duct, and was very nauseating. Nothing was done about it through-out the journey.
Next, the bus did not take any formal toilet halts. Gents were relieving themselves just about anywhere on the road. Ladies had no such chance.
We were also surprised that Paulo travels does not provide blankets inside the bus. The cleaner told us that we would have to pay Rs.50 if we wanted one. We travelled on the way up to Goa in a Neeta travels bus, paid the same fare and were offered blankets for free per seat.
You should indicate your offerings clearly on the ticket - whether the bus will take a dinner halt, will there be blankets, will there be a toilet halt, at what time, etc. If not on the ticket, at least instruct your agents to convey this clearly, or have posters at their shops.
Have a phone number INSIDE the bus - which passengers can contact in case of such an incident(e.g. a rude cleaner). Where do passengers turn to for help? It will also help keep some check on the behaviour of your staff. Basic training to support staff too would be good and does not take too much investment from your side.
People either begin or end holidays with your bus, and it is the start of a larger impression about Goa in general. I know such email complaints must not even be getting read. However, I thought it is my duty to report this.
Thanks and regards,
Prashant & Arpita
