A tiresome journey always comes to a halt. But the end of one problem is usually the start of another – and the same occurs when you are travelling to a new place.
After getting down from a long journey on an inter-state bus, it is natural for anyone to stretch their legs and take a moment to get oriented. But soon after, looking for transport to get to the hotel as soon as possible is the next task at hand.
If you are a tourist who has landed in Panjim and finds yourself drowning in the cacophony of several taxi wallahs and motorcycle pilots offering a cheap trip to your hotel, then you might want to stop and take a moment to assess all your travel options in the city before submitting to the taxi driver and his impressive convincing skills.
Because, apart from taxis and motorcycles, Goa has another alternative that will have your pocket thanking you.
Assess all your travel options in the city before submitting to the taxi driver and his impressive convincing skills.
On July 1, the Goa government, under the first phase of the Smart City bus service, introduced six EV buses that are servicing two routes from the Panjim city bus stand, which is conveniently located near the Hanuman temple in Panjim.
The moment you get down from your long journey, head to the Hanuman temple, a few metres away, to unveil the latest cheat code to cheap and comfortable travel in and around the city.
The EV bus services begin early morning, with the first bus departing at 6.55 am and making its way from the city bus stand to the Panjim Market via the river-facing Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, offering a scenic view and first glimpse of Panjim city.
Opening its driver-controlled doors to every passenger along the way, the EV buses are well equipped with comfortable seats, FM Radio, air conditioning, CCTV cameras, fire extinguishers, a first-aid kit and phone charging points.
As far as the route is concerned, the bus winds its way from the Panjim bus stand via the Panjim market, Kala Academy, Miramar, Dona Paula and onward to Goa University, Goa Medical College (GMC) before returning to the base at the city bus stand in Panjim.
The journey delights passengers with beautiful vistas along the Mandovi River route, but don't get carried away. Start tracking your route on Google Map and let the bus conductor know where you need to get off, especially if your hotel is slightly off the main route.
Start your Goa holiday with a refreshing slice of local life, get a visual tour of the city through the large windows of the bus and tune into the FM radio that makes it hard to eavesdrop on the local gossip of the day.
So, if you are a tourist and have your hotel room booked anywhere between Panjim and Dona Paula, then taking this ride at just Rs 25 is an experience in itself. And of course, your chance to arrive at your destination in the comfort for which you would have to, otherwise, pay four times the amount.
Say goodbye to haggling over taxi and motorcycle fares or navigating unfamiliar streets all by yourself and say a chirpy hello to Panjim’s brand new seamless transport services in the heart of the city.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Smart City Bus Service.
TYPE: Electric Vehicle (EV).
ROUTE: Panjim city bus stand-Ferry point-Panjim market-Kala Academy-Miramar-Caranzalem-Dona Paula-Goa University-Goa Medical College-Santa Cruz-Panjim city bus stand.
COST: Rs 25 per person (round trip)