Decision to cancel bus service draws public ire

B Hemanth Kumar, who works in a call centre at Adyar, said that he would normally travel by bus from his residence at Manali New Town to his office. “After two months since lockdown, my office started functioning from June 1. I have been travelling on my scooter for almost 60 km a day. My daily cost of commute has almost doubled compared to the bus fares,” he complained.

He wondered why the government is operating buses for the government staff when they can’t resume the normal bus services.

X Anthony, a resident of Puzhal said that MTC service has been suspended from March 24. “In various other states, bus services were resumed immediately after first two lockdowns. In Chennai, bus services remain suspended even as the offices have started functioning. Only people who have two-wheelers and cars are able to travel while the people who don’t have personal vehicles were not able to commute,” he lamented.

R Senthil, a construction worker from Red Hills said that he has been travelling on his cycle to a construction site at Kolathur in the absence of bus service. “Though he would be physically exhausted to ride back home in the evening, I have no other choice. I will get the wage only if I turn up for work,” he said.

A senior MTC official said that bus services could be resumed only if the State government gives permission. “Considering the spread of COVID-19, the government has banned bus services in the State. Even if the service is resumed, passengers should follow the social distancing norms and wear masks compulsorily,” the official said.