Only 50 govt AC buses plying across TN

Activists blame the Transport Department for failing to increase the number of AC volvo buses, especially during summer, to increase the revenue and patronage. Meanwhile, private operators have increased the services according to the demand and are attracting more number of passengers. Sources said that there is not even a single AC bus operated by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) in the state. The Transport Department, which is already facing loss of revenue, is fearing to buy AC buses, they added. “The department introduced 100 AC buses in 2008, but about 90 buses have completely been dismantled. We can buy two ordinary buses, instead of procuring one AC bus,” said an official, seeking anonymity. However, they would consider buying SETC and TNSTC AC buses after revenue increases, the official added. 

Daniel Robinson, programme manager, Chennai City Connect, who had undertaken a study on public transportation said, “The State government should buy more number of AC buses to increase the patronage. Since the department is gearing up to buy 5,000 buses soon, the officials may include a sizable number of AC buses that can be operated across the state”. States like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have more number of AC buses, he added. Similarly, KN Nehru, former state transport minister, who introduced AC buses in 2008 between Chennai and Kancheepuram told DT Next that the government should allot more funds to buy AC buses. 

A senior SETC official, on condition of anonymity, said “The SETC will get new 100 buses soon, of which 40 buses will be air-conditioned. Even we have asked the department to procure 100 AC buses in the proposed 3000 buses that were sanctioned in the last budget.” 

Meanwhile, owners of private omni buses have taken advantage of the current situation, as they are operating many AC buses to various districts and states. K Anbarasan, secretary of Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Owners Association said, “We are operating around 300 to 400 AC buses per day during summer and there is a good patronage. We will usually operate 150 to 200 such AC buses, but we increased the number based on the demand”.