Going by the shopping list of suggestions that residents of Hasthinapuram, Medavakkam, Chromepet, Chitlapakkam and Pozhichalur to enhance last mile-connectivity in the region through small buses, the diminutive vehicles have a value that is out of proportion to their size.
There are small buses in Chitlapakkam, but residents believe the area could do with a few more. They have suggested that the Metropolitan Transport Corporation introduce new services to cover Nazeed Avenue, Babu Street, Jawahar Street and nearby areas. Together, these streets account a sizeable part of Chitlapakkam’s population, and yet they don’t have small bus services.
Residents of various areas have said that the frequency of small-bus services leaves a lot to be desired.
They have pointed out that S2 bus which covers Chromepet, Medavakkam and Hasthinapuram has a frequency of 40 minutes; and that S3 covering Chromepet and Chitlapakkam, has commuters waiting longer.
“S3 is on the general shift from 5.20 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a 12 noon to 4 p.m. break. This has got one hour of frequency, as there adequate buses,” says Kannan, the conductor of the bus.
In some of these regions, there is also the problem of diversions based on civic work.
“The routes have been reworked and the buses diverted due to extended underground drainage work,” says a resident of the same locality.
Due to lack of frequency, and crowding of the services that are operated during rush hour, many residents go in for private transport, which includes auto, share-auto or their own vehicles.
In Pozhichalur, Pammal, Pallavaram and Chromepet, there are fewer complaint about small buses, especially their frequency.
