Poor connectivity is one among the reasons many of the 18 Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) stations in the city have less patronage.
Frequent commuters want the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to operate small buses as feeder service from these stations.
“I get down at Chepauk station and have to walk nearly a km to reach Bells Road where I work. If there is a small-bus service from the station, it will be beneficial,” said K. Moideen of Mandaveli.
Many women passengers too feel the same way as approach roads to many of the MRTS stations are poorly lit.
“The small buses can pick and drop us at the station entrance. This option is available in Velachery,” said Geetha Shanmugam, a resident of Medavakkam.
Some stations such as Kotturpuram, Chintadripet, Light House, Greenways Road, Mundakakanni Amman Koil and Mandaveli have space for bus bays, but are not utilised.
Senior MTC officials said they now operate small buses from some stations such as Velachery.
“Some MRTS stations such as Kasturba Nagar, Taramani and Perungudi too are connected with these vehicles. We will consider other stations too, in the future, if passengers make an appeal,” said the MTC official.
He said it is not feasible to operate small buses from stations such as Chintadripet, Mylapore and Thiruvanmiyur as they are well serviced by regular buses.
