Commuters stranded as MTC, SETC and TNSTC halt services

Sources said that premises on the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), where the MTC buses would come and exit witnessed a deserted look after news of former Chief Minister’s death spread out and no buses reached the CMBT. Sources added that even the situation was same in the case of mofussil buses. Though a considerable number of buses were stationed, they did not leave.

“I never thought such things will happen. I am staying in Valasaravakkam and I got down from a government bus around 11.30 pm on Monday. I was unaware of the fact that by that time, the Chief Minister had died,” said A Rajendran, who took travel from Madurai. Worse still, he could not find any eateries in and around CMBT. “I wondered why CMBT, which would always be open, was in dark. I had to take an auto to my place by paying extra charge, Rajendran added. 

Similarly, MTC commuters bore the brunt. “I have never ever seen such scene in the CMBT premises, which will be infested with MTC buses. However, things were opposite on Monday night,” said a T Sahanmugam, a hotel worker. When he enquired with a MTC staff, he was learnt that MTC bus would not be operated throughout Tuesday night.

Train commuters had some relief, as they received food in the platforms and outside Central and Egmore stations. However, they were left stranded, as they could not find out MTC buses to reach their destinations. 

A senior official, SETC, told DTNext “The transport department will start operating mofussil buses from Tuesday midnight. Services were only temporarily suspended.” The official claimed that there was no any attack on government buses barring minor incidents.