Addressing privacy in public spaces – VOLVOS

An inter city commute like that between Pune- Mumbai, Delhi- Chandigarh is
a journey one looks forward to these days courtesy the 4 lane expressways,
Volvo buses and the swanky food malls that dot the landscape

And For a majority of first timers, one can't help but marvel at the
technological superiority of the Volvo

The sliding automated doors, the soundproof transparent glass windows that
mimic the feeling of being in an air-tight container.. a cocooned existence,
free from the dust and chaos of the outside world .

You zip across catching glimpses/fleeting moments of the countryside. Kids
playing cricket, shepherds rearing their cattle etc. But it's the zip and a
momentary glance that doesn't allow you to dwell/reflect on it for too long
thereby ensuring that you flip through it without contemplating on the sight

Every seat is distinct , with an individual arm rest, modeled according to
the reclined, relaxed body posture thereby offering a defined individual
space... which one is not accustomed to in case of public transport.

Privacy i.e. private space esp in cities like Mumbai is in short supply
unless you own a private vehicle. The cramped homes/apartments and small
houses in the city offer little of that. Hence privacy is often observed in
public spaces, refer to the brazen handholding & PDAs at chowpati or
Marine drive . If one have travelled in AC buses in Bombay, it's not
surprising to find young couple even the married ones cozying/cuddling up in
the rear seats

And the Volvo with its cushioned reclined seats offers just the right amount
of privacy. With the curtains guarding against the intruding world, and
earphones barring the outside clamour, it offers more of a secluded lounging
experience that is in short supply

It's like a honeymoon suite view but in motion, with the option to
shun/close out the scenery by just drawing the curtains on the window.

What makes the experience more interesting and fulfilling is the
intermittent play between the private and the public (Mall stopover)
offering enough occasions/instances for simultaneous existence

The customized dim reading light above the seat that allows read/contemplate
at your own pace...thereby creating a private space and in a public setting.

Engrossed in one's world, contemplating everyday existence, what is missing
in this otherwise engaging journey is probably a mini bar. Reading Murakami,
listening to Beatles (Norwegian wood) and sipping Bud along the way. Who
says commuting is a chore??