A frequent complaint about Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses is that they do not halt at scheduled stops.
To address this concern, the MTC has deployed over 100 personnel across the city to collect details about buses that do not halt at dedicated lanes in scheduled stops. This follows complaints from passengers that they are forced to run to board the bus.
Commuters have complained that such incidents are common near the multi-speciality hospital on Anna Salai, on General Patters Road, and outside the meteorological office in Nungambakkam among other places. “We have intensified this procedure that has been carried out for the past few months. After collecting details about the buses that are flouting the rules, we will take action against the drivers,” said an MTC official.
One of the reasons for buses not entering the bay is the bunching of buses. “For example, the driver of a bus on route 2A won’t get into a lane if another bus of the same series is already in it. But that bus may be really crowded, and in the end, it is people like us who have to wait for a long time for the next bus,” says V.K. Ranganathan, a regular commuter.
Another reason stated by MTC drivers is that the dedicated lane is too narrow. “Buses queue up in front of the bay and this extends the stipulated time for each trip. Besides, the pile-up will also lead to traffic snarls on the road, especially arterial ones,” said a driver.
Passengers may risk accidents while attempting to board a bus that stops out of the lane. “Some commuters board the bus waiting in the queue. After this, the MTC driver does not bother to halt at the stop. So some passengers risk their lives by trying to board a moving bus,” said S. Joseph, a senior citizen.
