In an effort to purge the menacing share autos and Tata magic vans from MTC bus stops that force buses to stop in the middle of the roads, thereby affecting traffic flow and inconveniencing the waiting passengers, Chennai city traffic police (CCTP) authorities have joined hands with the city transport provider.
CCTP authorities have started visiting bus depots seeking MTC bus crew’s assistance to identify bus stops affected by these private operators.
This follows a recent directive from the transport commissioner’s office seeking intervention of CCTP to facilitate MTC hassle-free access to bus stops.
CCTP officials had held discussions last Friday with conductors and drivers of Vadapalani bus depot, one of the biggest in the city and that operates buses through congested roads.
“The traffic police personnel had sought suggestions from MTC bus crew about how the chaos caused by autos and Tata magic vans, being illegally operated as share autos, could be tackled.
The drivers listed out their problems arising out of this on the roads and at bus stops,” a senior MTC official told DC.
Traffic police officials said the initiative had been taken following a circular from the state transport commissioner’s office to act against the hindrance caused by the private vehicles at MTC bus stops.
“The share vehicles halt only at bus stops and load passengers leaving no space for MTC buses, forcing them to stop in the middle of the road,” said a traffic police official who held discussions with the MTC employees.
“To start with, we put up barricades at the Vadapalani Murugan temple stop, enabling trouble-free entrance for buses. Within a few days, it started showing results,” the official added. This would be extended to other bus stops as well.
MTC had earlier written to the transport commissioner seeking action against these ‘illegal’ private operators eating up its revenue by loading passengers at its bus stops.