December 9: Tsirangtoe, Phutenchu, and Patalay in Tsirang Dzongkhag now have a public transport service. The service was launched on Saturday, December 6.

This mini truck which has been transformed as a passenger bus will operate six days a week except on Saturday, which has been identified as the maintenance day. The bus will ply from Damphu to the three geogs three times a week. The bus has a capacity for 19 people.

Our reporter says it may not have the comfort of a coaster bus but it will benefit the people of the three geogs immensely.

The Tsirangtoe gup Dawa Tshering said earlier people had to either hire taxis or take a lift in private vehicles, who charged even more than the taxis. To hire a bolero taxi from Damphu to Patalay, a passenger has to pay Nu. 1500 but now with the launch of the public transport service they just have to pay Nu. 59.

He added that people can now easily go to the Dzongkhag office, incase of a meeting or gathering. He said patients can also be easily referred to the hospital without any delay.

Some of the villagers said they can now easily transport their vegetables for sale in Damphu.

Meanwhile the owner, Dinanath Adhikari said he has plans to start similar services in Dunglagang and Barshong geogs where there is also a need for a passenger transport service.