Public transport feasible, but lack of connectivity a downer

The fuel price hike has made a dent in the monthly budget, and denizens of the city are a worried lot.

An increase in fuel prices will inevitably lead to high cost of household items like groceries, vegetables, fruits, etc. Chennaiites are also anxious as this will adversely impact their monthly expenditure, which also includes cost of fuel, service and maintenance for their vehicles.

During an interaction with DT Next, some car-owners admitted shifting to alternate transportation due to hike in petrol and diesel prices, while a few others felt that they were left with no choice in the matter.

“Pre-COVID, I used to travel in MTC buses but during the lockdown, number of buses was lesser at night. From then on, I started using a two-wheeler. But now with the petrol prices spiralling, even this is difficult. I cannot avoid using my own vehicle, as I travel at least 25 km per day,” rued T Sukumaran, Tiruvottiyur.

What about public transportation? Lack of connectivity in certain areas has been a perennial problem with the MTC.

“Buses are not available from Koyambedu terminus to Tiruvottiyur at night. I have to use my own vehicle. This is a nightmare,” he added.

The income has not increased but the monthly plan for fuel has, claim residents.

“I used to frequent Trichy in my car. A few years ago, it would have cost Rs 2,000, but now it costs more than Rs 5,000. So, these days, either I cancel the trip or travel by train where ticket prices are cheaper,” pointed out M Balakrishnan, a resident of Velachery. “Earlier filling the car tank was a regular occurrence but now the tank is always somewhere between empty and half-way mark.”

Additionally, with increase in prices of essential items, it’s going to get more difficult to manage household finances, pay loans and premiums.

“The government should reduce tax imposed on fuel, at least that’d make it more affordable for motorists,” he averred.