7 Phrases to help you catch that public transport

Source: Creative Commons

It is no revelation that Bengaluru has become a fast-paced cosmopolitan city, with increasingly welcoming opportunities. This has resulted in the migration of huge numbers of students to continue their academic aspirations in Green City.

As exhilarating as it may sound, shifting to a new location far away from home for the first time can be worrisome. A huge contribution to this fear is the language disparity that many in this demographic face.

Here are 7 phrases that two Bengaluru-bred students suggest, that will help you as you get adjusted to city life while using its transport services to get around.

1. Yellidhira, Anna/Akka? (Where are you, Sir/Ma’am?)

Auto rickshaws & other app-based services like Rapido are some of the most popular options to rely on. This particular phrase denotes the initiation of the conversation with any driver and will help understand the location of the driver and how long it might take him/her to reach the pick-up location.

2. (Desired Location) Bartira? (Will you take me to the *desired location*?)

If you are not opting for an app-based service, that includes entering the drop location before starting the ride, and want to hire a running transport, then this phrase will help the driver get in the focus of the destination you desire.

3. Swalpa munde hogi. (Go a little ahead)

So, you settled yourself in the auto-rickshaw or any of the other transport services that you hired and have cruised through the streets to get to your desired destination. But there might be a good chance that the driver might halt the vehicle a few meters down the road or maybe in the lane behind. In that case, telling the driver ‘Swalpa munde hogi’, would help him/her understand that you are yet to reach the destination and he needs to move the vehicle ahead.

4. Amele right/left turn tagolli. (Afterwards, take a left/right turn)

This will be useful if you are in a different lane altogether. In conjunction with the previous phrase, you can suggest the driver take your desired direction to reach your destination. “Swalpa munde hogi, Amale right/left turn tago,” you say to direct the driver.

5. Illi nilsi (Stop here)

Now that you avoided getting off at the wrong location, to avoid a repetition you pay attention to the surroundings. After recognizing the building you shifted into a few weeks ago, you rejoice and exclaim, “Illi nilsi, Anna/Akka.” By doing this you have successfully directed him to stop at your desired location & most importantly, completed yet another day in nimmu uru Bengaluru as well as impressed the driver.

6. Sir, (desired location; eg. Shivajinagar) Hogutta? (Sir, will this go to Shivajinagar/any desired location?)

Since you have moved to a new city, you might have spent quite a lot of money. As a result, you resort to exploring a BMTC or KSRTC bus to save some money. To know more about the bus route from your institution to your home & vice-versa, refer to this site click here. Once you have figured out your route, and are at the preferred bus stop, ask the halting bus’s conductor “Sir, (desired location) Hogatta?” to confirm if this bus reaches your destination or at least follows a similar route. This will prompt the conductor to give you a clear answer and will help you make a decision quickly.

7. Pass ah Ticket ah? (Do you you have a pass or are you buying a ticket?)

Following an organized structure for the mobility of the public bus system, the BMTC carries out a ‘Pass’ structure for many to benefit from. For example, you can buy a pass from the conductor that can be used for another travel on the same day.

The BMTC also provides student pass at a subsidized rate. You can refer to this to apply for & get more information on the student pass.