Ayantika Malakar

Ravi was having a decent morning—coffee in one hand, car keys in the other—until he hit the road. Though he left home early to beat the traffic, within ten minutes of his commute, he found himself stuck in a traffic jam that looked more permanent than his job contract. Honking was the official soundtrack of the road, and patience was nowhere to be found. His SUV, though comfortable, is guzzling fuel while barely moving an inch. Just as he sighed and checked his phone (for the tenth time), a nervous two-wheeler rider trying to squeeze through made a tiny scratch on his beloved SUV. Ravi’s heart sank faster than his car’s fuel efficiency in city traffic.

Meanwhile, Meera had her own struggles. It was a humid summer morning, the kind that made the air feel like soup. She had managed to find a spot on the overcrowded local bus—sandwiched between two enthusiastic aunties passionately debating the latest daily soap plot twist. Every time the bus hit a bump, she made unavoidable (and unpleasant) contact with damp, sweaty arms. Already worn out at the start of the day, she sighed, wishing she had Doraemon’s anywhere door instead of this slow-moving oven on wheels. Both are frustrated. Their daily struggle paints a larger picture—our transportation system is overcrowded, inefficient, and in desperate need of a reality check. The real culprit? Our unsustainable consumption habits.

The Problem with How We Use Transportation

1. Buying vehicles for the Wrong Reasons

Getting a car because your friend has one is like getting married just because all your friends are—it’s expensive, unnecessary, and you’ll regret it when you’re stuck. With easy vehicle loans available, many people rush to buy vehicles just to keep up with their social circle. The result? More bikes and cars on the road, more fuel burned, and more time spent in traffic than at home.

🚗 Example: Ever met someone who lives five minutes from the office but insists they “need” a car? That’s like buying a treadmill just to walk to the fridge.

Solution: Before buying any vehicle, ask yourself—do you really need it, or are you just following the herd? If you do need one, go for a vehicle that meets your needs without adding unnecessary burden on your pocket or on the environment. If you are a family of 4 or less, buy fuel-efficient small cars instead of a fuel-guzzling beast.

2. The “One-Person Per Car” Syndrome

Look around during rush hour, and you’ll notice something weird—most cars have just one person inside, like private little metal bubbles. That’s a lot of space wasted for just one commuter.  We’re wasting!

🚗 Example: Four people from the same office, living in the same neighbourhood, taking four separate cars to work. That’s like ordering four pizzas when one large could have fed everyone.

Solution: Carpool. It’s cheaper, more fun, and makes the roads less miserable for everyone. If you own a car, offering lifts—whether free or paid—to friends and colleagues can significantly reduce the total number of vehicles on the road. Plus, a co-passenger can keep you entertained and even help you navigate the traffic—because let’s be real, Google Maps doesn’t warn you about that rogue cow in the middle of the road.

3. The SUV Obsession in a Country of Tiny Roads

SUVs are great for off-roading, but let’s be honest—most SUV owners in India don’t drive through mountains. They drive through city roads so narrow that even a rickshaw struggles. Parking a giant SUV in a crowded street feels like trying to fit an elephant into a phone booth. Worse, these massive vehicles block road space, consume a lot of fuel, and make life difficult for everyone else.

🚗 Example: Ever seen an SUV parked diagonally across two spots because it “didn’t fit”? That’s the four-wheeler equivalent of someone occupying two seats in a crowded train.

Solution: If you don’t need an SUV, don’t buy one. If you have a small family, investing in a hatchback makes more sense. Small cars are easier to drive, park, and maintain. Besides, they are cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and easier to handle on traffic.

If more people opt for compact vehicles, car manufacturers will be forced to make them safer and more efficient.

Smart and Sustainable Alternatives to Driving Alone

1. Cycling: The Two-Wheeled Revolution

If your workplace is within a reasonable distance, ditch the car and hop on a cycle. It’s not just an eco-friendly choice—it’s a gym membership that pays you instead of the other way around! No fuel costs, no parking struggles, and you get fitter every day. Plus, don’t need to fuss much about parking. We can set the trend ourselves!

2. Carpooling: Because Solo Rides Are Overrated

If driving is unavoidable, don’t be the only one suffering in traffic—make it a team effort! Carpooling cuts costs, reduces congestion, and makes the journey more entertaining. Besides, having company means someone can DJ while you navigate the potholes.

Use carpooling apps, coordinate with colleagues, or form a neighbourhood ride-sharing group. It’s cheaper, greener, and way more fun than talking to yourself at red lights.

3. Public Transport: The Smart and Hassle-Free Choice

Besides, you can always use public transport—especially for long-distance commutes. Buses, metros, and local trains are better options when you don’t want to deal with fuel costs, traffic stress, or parking nightmares. Some buses and metros are even air-conditioned, and let’s not forget—trains definitely don’t get stuck in traffic!

While Ravi is burning fuel in a traffic jam, his neighbour Ankush is already halfway to work in a metro, enjoying air-conditioned comfort for even less than half a buck pocket pinch. Who’s winning?

The more we opt for public transport, the less congested our roads will be! Bonus: No parking stress!

The Final Thought: Drive Less, Live More

Traffic jams aren’t just annoying—they’re a disaster for the environment and our sanity. It is a pollution crisis, a financial drain, and a mental stressor.  The next time you’re about to buy a vehicle or drive alone, ask yourself:

✔️ Do I really need this vehicle?
✔️ Can I take public transport or cycle instead?
✔️ Can I share my ride and reduce the number of vehicles on the road?

Because let’s be real—the only “jam” worth being stuck in is one made of real fruit. 🚗🍓

The roads belong to all of us. Let’s ensure we use them wisely.