Kathmandu, just like Sydney has gotten its own ‘Night Ride’ services – thanks to Sajha Bus. It’s central station is New Road -where three buses depart on three routes.
- New Road – Lazimpat – Narayan Gopal Chowk – Naya Buspark
- New Road – Purano Bus Park – Babarmahal – Airport – Gaushala – Naya Buspark
- New Road – Shahid Gate – Tripureshwor – Teku – Kalimati – Kalanki.
Commuters can also download the ‘Mero Sajha’ app to know the location of the buses. The service is in its preliminary phase – the three buses will ply the route once every night. According to Sajha, the number of rides and destinations will be increased once the amount of service users increase. The service has been started with the support of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Commuting at night-time is very difficult for valley citizens – public transports cease from approximately 8 p.m. Other options include taxis, however they are renowned to charge ‘exorbitant rates’ especially after 9 p.m. Despite, several attempts by Metropolitan Traffic Police Department, they haven’t been able to get taxis to adhere to the ‘compulsory meter rates’ – the prices have to be negotiated prior, and taxi drivers are usually unrelenting of their price.
An earlier attempt at providing night ride service was initiated by another transport company, however had to shut its operations due to lack of enough commuters to sustain the project. Sajha, however is determined to continue the service.
