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After Deepavali, MTC to run more ordinary buses
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is planning to increase the number of ordinary buses by reclassifying the existing express and deluxe services. The move, aimed at augmenting the revenue of the loss-making transport body, is expected to be launched soon after Deepavali.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
However, the change is likely to be introduced only on specific routes. A driver attached to the Central depot said, “The workers had already suggested that the number of ordinary buses be increased as soon as revision of fare was announced in February. This was brought to the notice of higher authorities through the transport unions.”
“Our primary commuters are from the middle and lower sections of the society. For them, travelling in express and deluxe buses is a luxury,” he added.
Currently, the transport corporation operates 943 deluxe buses, 1,282 express services, including small buses, and 1,207 ordinary buses.
An official said, “A significant number of ordinary buses will be included on the routes in north Chennai by this year-end. After registering a steep decline in patronage and revenue, the MTC is taking a series of steps to overcome the trend.”
A top official said, “We are in the process of conducting a study before increasing the number of ordinary buses on specific routes. We are considering various factors, including demographic and socio-economic conditions of the commuters. This new system will come into place after Deepavali.”
After incurring losses, the Corporation had rationalised various bus routes since the beginning of the year. Buses to Tiruvanmiyur (route number M1) and Avadi Bus Terminus (route number 61C) have been extended to suburban areas with an aim to improve last mile connectivity.
The small bus plying between Ullagaram and Nanganallur was reintroduced to increase connectivity.
Buses not halting at designated stops tops complaints list
Among the numerous complaints pertaining to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), the aspect of these buses failing to stop at designated stops in the city tops the list.
While this month as many as 45 such public complaints were received at the toll-free number, authorities claimed that the number of instances of failure to stop has reduced drastically as compared to the previous months. In February, out of 240 complaints, 115 related to buses not stopping at the designated stops.
The authorities further claimed that disciplinary action taken against the drivers has led to the decline in the numbers.
“At times, commuters register complaints unknowingly, thinking that deluxe buses would halt at all the stops. Apparently, these buses have designated stoppings. This is one of the reasons for the increase in such complaints,” an official said.
According to official data, a total of 149 complaints, including those related to rash driving, change-related disputed, rude behaviour and other technical problems, were received in the month of September. Of this, 31 were related to the rude behaviour of employees.
“In the cases related to misbehaviour, we take disciplinary action against the employees. At least three employees per month are placed under suspension for rude behaviour or talking over mobile phone while driving,” said an MTC official.
Over the months, the number of complaints have gradually declined, with August recording 159 complaints as compared to 195 in July. April witnessed a maximum of 245 complaints and the second highest was 240 in February and March this year.
On an average, around 10 drivers are suspended for rash driving. As a remedial measure, around 70 employees were sent to a three-day training programme to hone their skills since the beginning of this year.
For change-related disputes, at least 15 complaints are received every month, whereas, at least 10 complaints pertain to technical issues, such as leaking roofs and shaking seats.
Complaints against MTC
February 240
March 240
April 245
May 213
June 190
July 195
August 159
September 149
(in 2018)
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