Deluxe buses only run by MTC in Chennai, residents not at all happy
Posted on: 11/Mar/2021 9:36:05 AM
The idea of running more deluxe buses by the MTC has not gone well with the Chennai residents now!!
On many routes in the Chennai city, MTC runs only deluxe buses and this has been causing issues for the commuters. The commuters have to shell out extra money for their ride in these deluxe buses.
It is now brought to light that MTC that operates 3425 strong bus fleet with ordinary, express and deluxe buses in Chennai has been operating more deluxe buses on all the routes after the relaxation of the travel restrictions. The operation of express buses has been stopped or reduced. The commuters are forced to travel by deluxe buses in Chennai.
It must be recalled that before Covid-19 pandemic began in Chennai MTC operated 1250 ordinary services, 1225 express and 950 deluxe services for the public. The commuters have been facing extra burden because of MTC operating more deluxe buses than ordinary buses. It is known that already the commuters were hit hard by the pandemic and the restrictions in the suburban train travel etc have increased their worries. This was pointed out by a Tambaram resident working in Broadway. He explained how he had switched over to his two- wheeler for going to his office.
By operating more number of deluxe buses, MTC has indirectly resorted to the ticket fare hike. This was according to Mr. Sadagopan, a consumer activist. He wanted the MTC to start issuing Rs 50 daily pass that was withdrawn a few years back. Point is that this daily pass was a big boon to many commuters. The ordinary bus services as well as the express bus services have been operated on a minimum scale of 300 services. This was mentioned by a senior MTC official.
The huge fall in the occupancy levels has been cited as the reason why just 2750 MTC buses are being operated now. The senior officer later explained about how currently there are 1250 ordinary bus services, and 1200 deluxe bus services and the remaining of express and small bus services.
It is important to note that the minimum fare in the deluxe buses was Rs 11 and maximum was Rs 49. There are 30 stages and a stage is approximately equal to 2kms. Truth is that in the express buses the minimum ticket rate was Rs 7 and maximum Rs 35. In the ordinary buses, Rs 5 and Rs 24 were the minimum and maximum fares.
