MTC turns a blind eye to monitor CCTVs in buses

Sources said the MTC had earlier been receiving a flurry of complaints from passengers about the inappropriate behaviour of the MTC crew. Further, footboard travelling and pick pocket cases were also reported to a large extent in the buses. 

Considering these factors, the corporation decided to install CCTVs in certain air conditioned and closed-door buses to avoid such incidents in 2013. Accordingly, the officials picked 10 long distance routes and installed cameras in more than 60 buses and they too assured that they would gradually install the CCTVs in more number of buses. However, officials took little interest in maintaining the CCTVs nor in installing new cameras. 

Four cameras were installed in such buses. While front and back doors had each camera, one camera was fixed behind the driver’s seat. The front-left side also had a camera. An MTC conductor, seeking anonymity, said “It is not our duty to take up repair works on faulty CCTVs. The MTC has failed to keep an eye on functioning of the CCTVs.” 

He further elaborated that the officials had always implemented any system in a good manner in the beginning but there was no follow-up. Daniel Robinson, Programme Manager, Chennai City Connect, who made a detailed study on MTC buses said “Such CCTVs will ensure the safety for both passengers and MTC crew and it will even instill fear among the offenders travelling in the buses. 

Most importantly, we can easily identify passengers, who damage glasses and harass the women” he said. He added that minor crimes in the buses would be brought to light and offenders could easily be traced and punished, if cameras were fitted in the buses. When contacted, a senior MTC official said they would take up this issue seriously. “The defunct CCTVs will soon be restored and we are also planning to install CCTVs in more number of buses after a study,” the official said.