To avoid getting fleeced by autorickshaw drivers, N. Arun of Mylapore hopped into an MTC bus to reach Chennai Central. He was on his way to his hometown and had a suitcase in his hand. But to his dismay, he ended paying for two tickets – one for himself and the other for the luggage.
“I paid Rs.10 extra to the conductor despite having just one suitcase. When I asked him why he was charging more, he did not have proper explanation,” says Mr. Arun.
For many who cannot afford an auto rickshaw or a call taxi, MTC buses are the only refuge. “They should have a permissible limit for luggage. If a passenger carries more than two bags, then he can be charged extra,” says M. Selvi, a housemaid, who visits her hometown Madurai every month.
Meanwhile conductors claim that the ticket inspectors create a problem if they do not issue a ticket for the luggage. “This is one issue that triggers an argument with the passengers. Most often, the problem arises in routes connecting railway stations and bus termini,” says a bus conductor.
Another conductor said that unlike SETC buses, the ones plying for MTC do not have space for luggage. “The baggage causes inconvenience to other passengers. Buses connecting railway stations and bus termini should be provided with luggage space to solve the problem,” he adds.
Free shuttle
service to mall
Gone are those days, when shopping was running around the city from one store to the other. Today, malls offer a huge variety of stores along with facilities like food and entertainment under one roof. They have now taken things a bit further by offering shuttle services for customers from far off areas.
Speaking about their new free shuttle bus service, a spokesperson of The Forum Vijaya Mall, says “We felt a need to enhance access for the public from various areas to come to our mall.”
The first of its kind in Chennai, this shuttle service has been functioning for the past month, with four trips on a daily basis. The service, which is free of cost, begins at Kalanikethan, Anna Nagar and covers a few other pick-up points en-route the mall.
The shuttle service is unconditional and does not require a minimum bill. Starting from 11 a.m., this service extends until 8 p.m. every day. Customers who want to avail the service must call the information desk at 49049000, and after fixing up a suitable time, they are picked up.
“The initial response was slow because the idea of a free service hasn’t sunk into Chennai yet, but it’s gradually picking up. We see good potential in the future because it’s one of a kind,” adds the mall’s spokesperson.
(Reporting by Vivek Narayanan and Purnasneha Sundar)
