Finally, MTC to set up restrooms for crew at Saidapet, Tambaram

The drivers and conductors of the MTC buses at the Saidapet and Tambaram have long been complaining about the poor working conditions, including the lack of a restroom for them. A bus conductor pointed out how Saidapet depot, despite being one of the oldest in the city, still does not have any basic facilities for the employees.

“In the terminus, we don’t even have a toilet. After travelling in the bus, where will the driver and the conductor relieve themselves if there is not even a toilet for us? The MTC management has no concern for the crew at all,” alleged the conductor, adding that it was not enough to construct a restroom at the depot. He demanded that one such facility should be built at the terminus as well.

Dhayannatham, the general secretary of CITU-affiliated State Transport Employees Union, said that the drivers and conductors of the MTC require a place to rest before they embark on the next trip in the city’s heavy traffic.

“All you need is to provide them a room with adequate space to accommodate the drivers and conductors. It should have tables and chairs, and drinking water facilities. Also required is a place for the crew to have their food,” he said, adding that most importantly it should have clean toilets.

He said that most of the termini, including busy ones like Broadway, Poonamallee and Tambaram West, do not have a restroom. “The drivers and conductors were urging the MTC to convert the breastfeeding rooms, which remain locked in all the termini, as restrooms,” he said. Or else, he added, they could be converted into toilets for women commuters.