The Hindu 14.03.2013
Mini buses for city in just two months
In about two months, the city may finally have another
means of public transport — 200 mini buses that will seat 27 each are
set to be rolled out.
Metropolitan Transport
Corporation (MTC) sources said the mini buses will begin operations by
the end of May or the first week of June. “These buses will ply mainly
in the extended areas of the city. Apart from providing residents with a
mode of transport, they will also ensure that share autorickshaws do
not eat into MTC’s revenue in these areas,” an MTC official said.
As
of now, two companies have been selected to make the buses. “Initially,
there was a delay as there was confusion over the rates quoted by the
firms. Now all that has been settled,” said the official.
The
Corporation has also requested the selected companies to ensure the
mini buses have a smaller chassis with a lower footboard. “This is to
ensure that passengers do not find it difficult to board the bus,” the
official said.
The two firms will prepare the chassis
only after MTC officials inspect it and give the go ahead, and only
after the inspection will the process to build the body’s bus begin.
While
commuters are enthusiastic about MTC’s initiative to provide more
transportation, they say the buses should be equipped with emergency
exits.
“All the buses should also be user friendly
for those with disabilities. Most people who have disabilities are
forced to travel either by autorickshaw or by private vehicles, as
neither buses nor trains are accessible to them mainly due to the height
of the footboards. The government should ensure that this problem is
dealt with in the mini buses,” said S. Thanigainayagam, a resident of
Velachery.
The mini buses project is long pending. In
May last year, State minister for transport Senthil Balaji had
announced in the assembly that these buses would be rolled out. The
facility is meant to integrate various modes of transport and also help
people living in interior areas reach bus stops and railway stations
easily.