BUSES IN INDIA

          Although trains are usually better for longer journey, buses are often quicker or more convenient for short trips ( in the Delhi-Jaipur-Agra triangle, for instance ).There are no trains in the Hamalayas,so the only means of public transport is the bus.

           There are usually local council-run and private buses on major routes all over India. The former are very cheap, bumpy noisy and crowded. The latter are more comfortable, and although their fares may be twice as much, they are still cheap. Whenever possible, reserve your seat in advance (this is compulsory on deluxe buses ) and avoid the bumpier back seats. 

          You’ll hear many set phrases on the buses. The conductor will whistle to the driver once for 'stop', twice for 'go' or will say to him: ' chelo' (or 'chelna' / 'chelo jii’) meaning ' go ‘, passengers say 'roko' (or 'rokna' or 'roko jii’) for stop, the conductor will constantly say 'andar chelo, andar’ inside, move inside, to ask for your ticket, say 'ek ticket Delhi ' " one ticket Delhi “, the conductor may ask for ' khuula paisa ' meaning that he want the money in small change, not big note. To ask if a seat is vacant, say ' kyaa yeh seat khaali hay?'  Is this seat empty?  And someone will reply ' khaali hay ' it is empty. "Or khaali nahiin hay " it is not empty. When the bus stops for tea, ask the conductor ' kitne minute (rokego)? ' How many minute will we stop? 

          If you learn to read Hindi, you'll see lots of amusing ' public information ' messages written on and in the buses. For example:  sleeping on seats no. 1, 2 & 3 is forbidden or oh you with the evil eye, may your face be blackened ' ( i.e. don't drive so closed ) .    

الهند