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What image does 781 evoke in your mind?
It is very likely that 781 evokes different images for different people. 781 may mean different things for different people.
But for me - 781 is the Blueline bus that plies between 'पालम गाँव' and 'नई दिल्ली रेलवे स्टेशन '.
Travel in a Blueline bus is unique in many ways & unlike any other mode of transport.
The Crowd
781 is not crowded much when compared to the likes of '764', '604' & '729'. In fact, it is very comfortable to travel in the morning hours on this particular route.
The Seat
Getting a seat depends on a number of factors. Among them, the primary ones are
- Proximity of seat you wish to have to the exit door
- Gender
- Ability to block co-passengers
- Swiftness
The Purse
I have never been pick pocketed on a Blueline. Non - Delhites must be wondering - 'So what?' 'Try travelling with a thick purse on a Blueline - फिर देखो (Then see)'.
If a pick pocket finds the risk vs gain factor in his favour, it is very likely that you may end up without your purse or some pockets of your trousers/purse.
Ladies' Seat
If a fellow finds a seat empty, the temptation to sit is very high. One might categorise people into four categories based on the 'temptation to sit'
- Those who don't grab an empty seat on the left side of the bus
- Those who grab the seat but have the grace to empty it whenever required
- Those who grab an empty seat & (immediately)(pretend to) fall asleep
- The very obstinate kind 'बैठ गए थो फिर फेविकोल का जोड़ है' (They do not wish to get up once they sit regardless of the circumstances)
Bus Stop
Blue lines have a very peculiar system. If you are a regular passenger, then chances are 'कि आपको आपके घर से कंडक्टर बुला लाएगा'. (that the bus will wait at your residence)
If you are waiting at a request stop, the bus will stop if you stand in the middle of the road and signal it to stop.
If you are waiting at a regular bus stop, well then as I said in a previous post BLNT (Better Luck Next Time).
Safety
Blueline buses are the safest places in Delhi!
What has happened because of Blueline buses is really sad. A large percentage of accidents though have taken place on routes where competition for the buses is high or where traffic rule implementation is lack-lustre.
Tickets
It doesn't matter whether you have a paper ticket or not, what actually matters is - have you paid the right amount to the conductor. It is very difficult to travel ticket less on a Blueline unless you are a very smart & seasoned traveller.
The Blueline Bus 781 had been a kind of lifeline during the 3 years of my stay in Delhi. In some ways, it became a part and parcel of my life. One realises the value of such things only later on.
Although there are some deficiencies in the system, some aspects stand out such as the ticket collection system, the entry-exit system & the common sense with which people apply themselves (only at times though!)
Blueline Zindabad!!!!!!
