Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai   

Accidents rising, yet no caution against footboard travel

By K. Lakshmi

CHENNAI Oct. 22 . Several commuters travel on footboards of city buses, especially during peak hours, but most are not aware of the high rate of accidents that involve footboard travellers.

Out of 373 accidents involving buses this year, at least 200 were caused by footboard travel. Although "fewer" accidents are happening involving buses, than in the past, there has been a gradual increase in mishaps owing to footboard travel over the past few years, it is claimed.

With about 2,600 buses operated in the city, passengers complain that the service provided by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation is grossly inadequate. Thus, they are forced to travel on the footboards.

Some MTC drivers who tend to stop few yards away from the bus stop may be responsible for the footboard travel, by forcing passengers to board in a hurry, according to the commuters.

Last week, a 60-year-old man stumbled as he was trying to board a crowded bus during the evening rush hour. "We don't have any choice as buses are infrequent and every bus is crowded," he said.

Yet, passengers may be unaware of the danger involved, said a Government General Hospital doctor, who has treated a number of bus accident victims. The majority of the accident victims suffer from grievous injuries. The doctor said that about 93 per cent of passenger deaths are caused travelling on the footboard at the front entry point.

According to an MTC official, it is not only passengers who are in a hurry, who travel in this manner, but also commuters who see it as a thrilling experience. Half of the victims are college students who insist on travelling on the footboard even when there is space inside the bus. A college student, Suresh (18) sustained a head injury when he fell off the footboard last week and came under the rear wheel.

A bus conductor at Anna Nagar West depot said one of the main reasons for the footboard travel is "the youngsters' desire to show off in public".

Footboard is the favourite for those who travel without a ticket, said a conductor. Thieves position themselves at the entrance so they can pick pockets and others to harass women.

The traffic police officials have introduced a penalty of Rs. 50 for commuters who violate the rules by travelling on the footboard.

A few weeks ago, the traffic police fined passengers travelling on the footboard at Anna Nagar. But, such surprise checks are rare.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to educate the public, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), G. Uma Ganapathy Sastri, said the police would campaign to highlight safe travel among commuters.

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