For avoiding overcrowding, MTC urged to run 100% fleet in Chennai
Posted on: 14/Oct/2020 9:20:05 AM
It is well known that MTC has begun its operations in Chennai last month and many buses are now having huge crowds. The news that has come out now is MTC has been urged to run all its buses so that overcrowding would be avoided. Running more buses would attract more passengers. Truth is that many have switched to two wheelers now for their daily transport after the Coronavirus pandemic.
It was later brought out by Mr. V. Dhayanantham, general secretary of the CITU affiliated union in MTC that MTC buses are overcrowded in the peak hours due to reduction in their services. He explained about how in the last month after the lockdown MTC operated 85% of its fleet and how in this month just 66% of its fleet is being operated due to financial issues.
Point is that if the MTC buses are to be operated with social distancing norms of carrying just 24 passengers then there would be huge financial loss. This loss must be compensated by the government.
Important information is MTC has reduced its services now instead of seeking financial assistance from the government. Mr. Dhayanantham then threw light on how overcrowding and lesser number of buses have forced many to switch to two wheelers and other personal modes of transport. Public transport must be strengthened and by that more passengers would start travelling by MTC buses
Every day, 75% to 80% of the total fleet is being operated for the public in Chennai. This was according to a senior officer belonging to MTC. He mentioned that before Covid-19 pandemic around 30 lakhs used to travel by MTC and now just 12 lakhs travel by MTC.
For ensuring social distancing, more than the required number of buses is being operated now. The shocking information is that MTC was not able to recover the diesel cost through the operation of bus services in Chennai.
It must be taken into note that despite financial constraints MTC has been paying salaries to its employees without default. It was revealed by some officials that due to demand MTC services have been doubled in some routes like Ambattur, Avadi, Tambaram etc.
