I was travelling from Gulbarga to Bangalore on Sunday 5th October 2014(Bus number 4313. We were made to board off from the bus at 5:AM in the morning about 200+ kms from Bangalore in a deserted place(20 km from Chitradurga VRL depot) and were left to fend for ourselves(Reaching tijme mentioned in the ticket:6:30 AM). With no water, Food, ATM, any sort of transport or any possible help around that place we had to carry our luggage to a nearby toll plaza in search of an option to travel. This is sheer carelessness, irresponsibility and a nonchalant attitude on VRL’s part that we were put through such a torturous and a nightmarish experience.
We waited for 4 hours for a spare bus, which was just a false explanation given by Bus driver and conductor to avoid arguments. Owing to such mis-management, we have missed out on important commitments for the day. We had to change 3 over-crowded and uncomfortable buses to reach bangalore with all the luggage. I did not pay a Total Fare:Rs. 2, 850(2 persons) to experience such difficulty where our survival was at stake. I would never recommend anyone to travel with VRL, however bad the situation is(because it just gets even worse with them, trust me!).
And the best part is that the response I recieved from VRL on registering a complaint. They are not even sorry for the ordeal we were put through and the response made absolutely no sense. The VRL website does not accept complaints(throws an exception). I had to look for a mail ID and write to them. Few prototype sentences from the response I recieved are "We take utmost care to provide best service "(not even close). "Note: As per Terms & Conditions:The company undertaken no liability in case of cancellation of trips due to breakdown or for reasons beyond the control of the management. However, proportionate refund of fare will be allowed in case no alternate arrangement is made. But alternate arrangement was done.This is for your kind information."(Audacity, I would say!).
The spare bus arrives after 5 hours, when all the travellers had left, just so that they can avoid paying the refund.
I would never recommend VRL for anyone.