MTC plans fare posters to take on share autos

The MTC registered a dip in patronage from 50 lakh commuters to 35 lakh commuters, following the revision of bus fares this February. Under the new strategy, the corporation is planning to advertise the minimum fare of the ordinary buses - Rs 5 and the express buses - Rs 7 across 1,000 vehicles. “We have decided to pin stick bills publicising the fare of Ordinary and Express buses to increase the number of passengers. 

The buses with stickers will start making inroads in the city within two days.” The official added, “We want to increase patronage towards public transport system and indirectly improve air quality.”

Affirming increase in share auto fare, the Chennai Maanagara Motor Vehicles Workers Association, General Secretary, B Anbalagan, said, “In the past 11 months, the price of diesel was raised to Rs 20. 

Given the situation, it is tough to ply share autos with the old tariffs. We have designed routes with an aim to cater to the immediate local commuters’ population. The share autorickshaws enjoy a good patronage for a sole reason that passengers are dropped at their exact destination. This is something the buses.” He claims that patrons of share autorickshaws belonged to a different segment when compared to those commuting between bus stops. “The new MTC strategy will not adversely affect our performances. 

At best, we will incur a loss of around Rs 200 to Rs 250/day,” Anbalagan added.