Bus services resume, drivers asked to stay alert

Chennai

From Monday, the SETC and other Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations – Villupuram, Salem and Kumbakkonam would be operating buses from the city to other districts across the State.

According to sources, as many as 800 buses would ply from the city to various destination for the first time since March 24, when the lockdown was imposed. Though the transport corporations are upbeat over the resumption of the services, officials are worried over the five-month-long break.

“Drivers should be careful at nights as they were at home for the last five months. The bus conductors should compulsorily sit in their seat near the driver between zero hours and 4 am and keep a vigil,” SETC managing director Elangovan has instructed. He also asked the workers to keep in mind the presence of large numbers of two-wheelers on the highway and barricades to prevent over speeding. SETC would be operating 260 buses from the city on Monday, while the TNSTC Villupuram would run 360 buses.

TNSTC Kumbakkonam and Salem would be operating about 200 buses on the first day. “The bus service would be increased in a phased manner considering the passenger traffic. We will strictly adhere to the social distancing norms and wearing of masks,” the sources added.

Pvt omni buses not to ply
Private omni buses have decided not to ply their buses till September 30 urging the State government to waive the road tax for the first two quarters of this fiscal year.A decision to this effect was taken at the All Omni Bus Owner’s Associations meeting held on Saturday.