It is not a ‘fair affair’ on MTC’s express and ordinary services

MTC sources said officials already operated ‘unfit’ deluxe buses as Ordinary services. And the latest is the series is the plying of Ordinary buses as Express services. “The idea is simple. Earn more revenue using the available fleet,” said sources. “The colour of the route board is different. Neither the condition nor the facilities available in Express services merit an extra fare. No need for any special audit. It is visible to everyone’s eyes,” said M Subramaniyan, a regular commuter from Central. “As a result, many commuters are now boarding only Ordinary buses and this has dwindled the patronage for Express services (green board), which of late are running empty,” he added. Raj Cherubal, director, Chennai City Connect, says “In such a big city, public transportation is imperative for commuters and the officials concerned should operate buses in good condition and proper segmentation.”

When asked, an MTC conductor said “We are just following the instructions of the higher officials.” Admitting that condition of the vehicles is far below the required standards, the conducted pointed out that even the basic norm of limited number of stoppages for Express services was not being followed. A senior official of the MTC, on condition of anonymity, said steps to improve facilities in Express buses would soon be initiated. He assured that steps would be taken to address all issued and instructions would be sent to all branch officials not to swap boards between Ordinary and Express services.