For residents of J. Jayalalithaa Nagar in Mogappair West, a decade-long wait for a better bus terminus, one provided with all facilities for commuters, has ended.
The bus terminus has been revamped with an allocation made from local area development fund.
Maduravoyal MLA G. Beemrao allotted Rs. 53.5 lakh towards construction of a proper terminus with concrete flooring, drinking water and restroom facilities. MTC contributed made a contribution towards erecting shelters.
In a function held inside the terminus, the facility was dedicated to public by Minister for milk and dairy development V. Moorthy.
Among those attended the event were deputy mayor of Chennai Corporation P. Benjamin, G. Beemrao and MTC joint managing director V. Varadarajan.
Located in a fast-developing area, the terminus serves 30,000 commuters daily; and 39 buses on different routes – covering areas such as Broadway, Anna Square, T. Nagar, Guindy, Velachery and Madhavaram – are operated from there.
Until its re-construction, the terminus lacked a roof, toilets, seating and drinking water facilities.
According to commuters, during the construction of the terminus the buses were parked on an adjacent road, leading to traffic snarls in the vicinity during peak hours.
The bus terminus had many pits, which have been leveled with concrete now. The entire surface has been cemented. A time keeper’s office has also been constructed.
While expressing their satisfaction over refurbishment of the terminus, residents point out what could be done to make it even more commuter-friendly.
Masilamani, a flower vendor from nearby Nolambur, said two 60-feet-highmast lamps could be erected, one at the entrance and the other on the rear side.
Appointment of securitymen for two entrances, and a sustained effort on maintenance of toilet are among the others things he wants to be taken up.
A college student from Vellala Street, S. Vinaya said that MTC should also consider increasing the frequency of bus services to Guindy, and extend bus services up to Thiruvanmiyur.
