Vadodara Netas Ride E-Bus, Preach Public Transport, But Face a Social Media Reality Check

Vadodara’s new electric buses came with a familiar message: use public transport, save fuel and help the city breathe a little easier.

The message was delivered from inside an e-bus, with the city’s political leaders, officials and civic authorities taking a ride to mark the launch of 20 new electric buses.

But social media users appeared to have one small question: Does the public-transport lesson end when the inauguration does?

After a promotional reel from the event was posted online, some users welcomed the new e-bus initiative. Others used the comment section to offer their own version of the civic lesson.

One comment, in essence, suggested: “Now travel by bus and train like this. Even if you don't pay for the ticket, at least save on petrol and diesel.”

Another user questioned whether the leaders and officials would continue using public transport in the same way after the cameras stopped rolling.

And then came the more Vadodara-specific reminder: If you're sitting in the bus, don't forget to look at the potholes on the road too.

The irony was hard to miss. The leaders boarded the e-bus to promote public transport. Once the programme ended, however, they reportedly headed off in separate official or private vehicles.

So, for one afternoon, Vadodara had a rather complete demonstration of the city's transport ecosystem:

• Electric bus for the photo-op.
• Private cars for the exit.
• Potholes for everyone else.

The question here is whether public transport can become a daily habit for those promoting it, rather than simply a ceremonial ride when the cameras are switched on.

Because if leaders want citizens to leave their cars at home, perhaps the first route to demonstrate should be their own driveway to the nearest bus stop.