Welfare on wheels

The original Gimi Bus, donated by the family of the late Rusi B. Gimi in his memory and meant for use by the community’s senior citizens in Calcutta will have to be off the roads by January 31, 2011, noted Calcutta Gavashni of July-September 2010. A newer bus has also been donated to enable senior citizens to be transported to community functions. The old bus will be available as a standby only when the big new bus is not functional, and for no functions will both buses be available.

Rusi B. Gimi (top) and bus donated in his memory for use by Calcutta’s senior citizens

Calcutta Gavashni, the newsletter of the Calcutta Zoroastrian Community’s Religious and Charity Fund (CZCRCF), notes that the bus driver has told the trustees that he is often requested — sometimes even ordered — to go off the set route. Urging the members of the community to "forget what happened in the past,” the newsletter prescribes the exact area within which the bus will now operate. The CZCRCF office will decide who will be picked up first and the route the driver will take to suit the best interest of travelers. Since the big bus is unable to negotiate narrow lanes, the driver alone will decide which route is convenient. The bus will not deviate from the set route save when there is heavy rainfall or some major inconvenience. However, if there is any genuine personal difficulty, the individual should contact trustee Sam Medora at the CZCRCF office for assistance.

Some families who do not own cars or have easy access to transport have requested that the Gimi Bus be made available for them to attend funerals at the Ravangah so that they and their friends are taken to the Beliaghata after the paidast prayers.

However, should the bus be required for personal use by Parsi families, the rate of hire will be Rs 1,500 for up to four hours and Rs 400 per extra hour thereafter, subject to availability. These higher charges are on account of the huge increase in diesel and running costs, the newsletter explains.