For residents of Kolathur (the one near Mambakkam), commuting is an expensive affair. Poor MTC bus connectivity and lack of mini-bus services force them to spend considerably on share and regular autos.
“At present, only M51V (T. Nagar to Kolathur) goes via Medavakkam, Sithalapakkam Koot Road, Kovilancherry, Madurapakkam, Ponmar, Mambakkam Rice Mill and Mambakkam. The frequency is one bus every hour.
It would be good if a regular or mini-bus service was introduced from Kolathur to Medavakkam on Medavakkam-Mambakkam Road,” commuters said.
School and college students from Medavakkam and distant areas such as Mambalam and Saidapet study in various educational institutions including Prince Shri Venkateshwara Padmavathy Engineering College in Ponmar, Velammal Matriculation School in Mambakkam and Government Middle School in Kolathur. Most depend on public transport.
We have given several representations to MTC to increase the service. But, no action has been taken. A mini-bus service from Medavakkam via Kovilancherry, Ottiyambakkam and Mambakkam, to Kolathur should be introduced for school and college students, commuters pointed out.
“We have to depend on share-autos to reach Medavakkam. From Kolathur share-auto drivers charge Rs. 15. The regular auto-drivers charge anywhere between Rs. 150 and Rs. 200. At night , share auto increase the rate to Rs. 30. A mini bus service via Sowmya Nagar, Sithalapakkam, Kovilancherry, Ponmar, Mamabakkam to Kolathur can help commuters a lot,” the commuters said.
There are a few buses till Sithalapakkam (51B, 51B Extension). But, from Mambakkam to Kolathur, bus services are very few. At night, share-autos operate only till Ponmar. Commuting from Ponmar to Kolathur becomes very difficult. Women and senior-citizens seem to be the most affected.
On contacting MTC, officials promised to look into the matter and do the needful at the earliest.
