CHENNAI: Bus commuters in Pattabiram say travel options from the area have reduced over the past few years, with several routes withdrawn or curtailed, leaving residents dependent on a limited set of services.
Residents recall the direct bus connectivity from Pattabiram to Poonamallee (53-B, 54-C), Sriperumbudur (565) and Minjur (563), which were withdrawn or modified during the pandemic and were not restored thereafter, despite steady residential growth in the area.
A key concern is the lack of services along the 400-feet Vandalur-Minjur Outer Ring Road (ORR). Though the road has been operational for several years and bus stops have been constructed, commuters point out that only Bus No 202 (Avadi–Tambaram) operates on the stretch, limiting travel options and forcing many to depend on indirect travel via Avadi.
“Earlier, we had direct buses. Now, for many destinations, we depend on a single service or have to change buses at Avadi, which increases waiting time,” said Jayashree, a Pattabiram resident.
Activist Augustine Roy Rozario, who has written to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), said that services have not been aligned to current travel patterns and demand, particularly along the ORR, where road infrastructure and bus stops already exist. In its reply dated January 5, MTC stated that routes such as 53-B, 565 and 563 were withdrawn or modified earlier citing poor passenger patronage. It also noted route 54-C (Pattabiram–Poonamallee) is operated with two services, with one additional service added in November 2025.
MTC added that new routes on the ORR would be considered only after additional buses are inducted, and that instructions were issued to ensure bus No. 202 halts outside the Pattabiram bus terminus.
Commuters also pointed to constraints following the opening of the Pattabiram Road Over Bridge (ROB). With only one arm operational and the second span yet to be completed, the earlier round-turn facility near the police station was removed, affecting bus turning movements, creating traffic.
They have sought a review of services, saying that routes withdrawn need to be reassessed, as current travel demand and infrastructure are not aligned with the existing services.