Shelterless bus stops vex commuters in Tiruvottiyur

This is yet another trouble that the people here are facing every day, after struggling with improper bus facilities and bad roads.

Buses from Tiruvottiyur go to various places like Poonamallee, Tiruvanmiyur, Broadway, and Velachery. The area also has a several schools, banks and commercial establishments. However, thousands of local residents who commute from here to other parts of the city are forced to stand in the blazing sun and pouring rain while waiting for the bus. The people here said it was the senior citizens who were the worst affected due to the absence of bus shelters.

“A year ago, the shelter was removed to renovate the bus stop, but nothing was done since then. Because of this, we are forced wait in the sun. As the frequency of buses is low, we have to wait for at least 20-30 minutes in the open,” said Kanaga B, who has been a resident of Periyar Nagar for more than 50 years.

Highlighting the struggle they are going through due to the lack of a proper bus shelter, the elderly persons pointed out that the youngsters often take refuge at nearby shops and run to the spot once the bus arrive. But those who are old are unable to do that. Instead, they have to stand and wait in the open – whether it is sunny or rainy – till the bus arrives, they rued.

“We have been facing this issue for more than a year. We can manage in summer by standing in the shade of a shop or house, but it is particularly difficult during the rains. The most-affected are the senior citizens. We have even seen many elderly persons fainting. But despite this causing trouble for the people every day, Corporation officials have not taken any step to redress the situation,” said Sariga S, a college student.

Speaking to DT Next, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G Prakash said, “We are identifying bus stops without shelter and steps will be taken immediately. We have decided to put shelters following requests from the public, and have covered most of the bus stops in the city.”