Women commuters fume over poor bus connectivity

Chennai: Forty-three-year-old Rajji (name changed) of New Kanniamman Nagar in Tiruvallur district is one of them. Working as a domestic help in Thirumangalam, Rajji earns Rs 12,000 per month. She spends Rs 1,500/month on travel alone.

“Buses stop at New Kanniamman Nagar bus stop on an hourly basis only. So, I take a share auto to Avadi and board a deluxe bus from there to work,” said Rajji.

Several women and girls that DT Next spoke to share a similar ordeal. Some of the common complaints were that the buses do not halt at the respective bus stop, arrive late than the scheduled time and most importantly, they face harsh treatment from conductors and drivers.

T Veni, a member of Women Workers Union in the city, said there are six white board buses numbered ‘61K’ operating from New Kanniamman Nagar to Avadi each day. However, none of them arrive on time to the bus stop.

“Kanniamman Nagar is 12 km from Avadi. In the mornings, working women and children wait for a long time for the bus before taking a share auto to Avadi,” said Veni.

Pointing out that there are almost 10,000 families in Kanniamman Nagar, she said that most women in the area work in construction, garment factories and housekeeping, and as domestic help.

The maximum salary they earn is Rs 15,000.

“There are only deluxe buses operating from Avadi depot, in which free travel is not applicable. So, we pay for tickets. Bus fare from Avadi to Koyambedu costs us Rs 23 one way,” added Veni.

Explaining the harsh treatment, a government official who frequently travels in MTC buses said, “There is a certain disregard for women commuters among most conductors. Meaningless comments to face gestures puts a lot of women in uncomfortable situations. The department should sensitise their staff.”

A MTC official said that inquiries on the particular route will be held and lapses will be checked right away.