KATHMANDU, June 2: Keeping in view of the hardships faced by ordinary public, Nepal Police launched a free bus service on Monday to assist the general public after transport entrepreneurs enforced a strike, halting public vehicles across the Kathmandu Valley and leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
The initiative aims to ease the disruption in public transportation and ensure mobility for those affected by the shutdown. The buses are operating along two major routes covering key areas of the capital. Route No. 1 runs through New Bus Park, Balaju, Swoyambhu, Kalanki, Tripureshwor, Pulchowk, Jawalakhel, Lagankhel, Satdobato, Koteshwor, Gaushala, Chabahil, Gongabu, and returns to New Bus Park.
Nepal Police cracks down on harassment of passengers at Kathman...
Similarly, Route No. 2 starts from the Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA) and passes through Gaushala, Ratopul, Naxal, Lainchaur, Jamal, Sundhara, Teku, Kalimati, Balkhu, Ekantakuna, Satdobato, Tinkune, Koteshwor, and then circles back to the TIA.
The police stepped in after receiving widespread complaints from the public about being overcharged by ride-sharing services amid the strike. Users reported that drivers affiliated with platforms like Pathao, InDrive, and Tootle were demanding inflated fares through off-platform negotiations.
In response, Nepal Police issued a public warning against such practices and announced it would take action against those found charging arbitrary rates. The free bus service has been widely welcomed as a practical solution to ensure public mobility and prevent exploitation during transport disruptions.
