Nanmangalam residents look at share autos to cut expenses

The MTC is operating two small buses, S4 and S9, which connects Radha Nagar Main Road with Nanmangalam area. According to the local public, the connectivity remains poor despite these being operational. This, they say, is the primary concern of the people here.

“We are fully dependent upon these buses, which are being operated at the irregular intervals. As a result, they are jam-packed during the peak hours. The women among the commuters are forced to wait for a long time to reach their destinations,” said one of the regular commuter.

The only option left for them is to take normal autorickshaws, who demand an exorbitant fare. “They charge a minimum of Rs 150 during night time. Majority of commuters here belong to the middle or lower middle classes, who cannot afford to spend such big amount for their daily commute. We wanted the share autorickshaws to start services,” said C Murugaiyan,secretary of the Federation of Civic and Welfare Associations of Pallavaram Municipality.

Before the small buses were deployed, MTC used to operate a regular, 52 E, between Nemilcherry and Broadway. However, it was withdrawn from service around two years ago.

According to Chennai Metropolitan Transport Workers Union general secretary B Anbazhagan, they may consider operating share autos along these routes due to the demand. But he added that there was apprehension that it is unlikely to be economically viable, as drivers can cover only short distance routes. “Therefore, many drivers would not prefer these routes given the high price of fuel,” he said.

An MTC official said the service of the normal bus was stopped owing to poor patronage. On the other hand, he added, the frequency of small buses was increased to minimise the inconvenience caused to the commuters. “The frequency of services will be increased to improve the connectivity,” the official assured.