Srinagar, Aug 27: Commuters across Srinagar are facing growing difficulties in the evening hours as public transport becomes increasingly scarce on several city routes, leaving passengers stranded after work, business and educational activities wind down.

Residents said buses and other public transport vehicles become noticeably less available during peak evening hours, forcing commuters to wait for long periods at busy stops or depend on private vehicles and costly alternatives to reach home.
The problem is particularly acute for office employees, students, shopkeepers, labourers and other people who finish their daily activities in the evening. Many commuters said that while transport remains relatively accessible during daytime hours, services thin out considerably as evening approaches.
“After 6 or 7 pm, finding a bus on several routes becomes extremely difficult. We have to wait for a long time or pay much more for private transport,” a commuter said.
Women and elderly passengers are among those facing greater inconvenience, with prolonged waiting at roadside stops creating additional difficulties, particularly in areas where adequate lighting and passenger facilities are lacking.
The shortage of evening transport has also affected people living on the outskirts and in residential areas connected to the main city through limited routes. Commuters said the absence of regular services forces many to make multiple changes or walk considerable distances to find available transport.
Transport users have urged the authorities and concerned operators to review existing schedules and ensure that adequate buses remain available until the normal closing hours of offices, markets and educational institutions.
They also called for better coordination among transport operators so that services are not concentrated only during morning and afternoon peak periods.
Residents said a dependable public transport system is essential for a growing city like Srinagar and that evening connectivity should receive the same attention as daytime services.
They appealed to the administration and transport authorities to conduct a route-wise assessment of evening passenger demand and introduce additional services wherever shortages are identified.
Regular evening services, commuters said, would not only reduce hardship for passengers but also encourage greater use of public transport, ease dependence on private vehicles and improve overall urban mobility.