Chennai: Crass behaviour by MTC crew rode high on the list of problems that women’s groups spoke about at a recent discussion with transport officials.
The discussion was part of efforts to chalk out plans for better safety for women in public transport.
Officials say, “The meeting was held as part of our larger efforts to bring safety in public vehicles. Eight women's groups participated in the discussion. They said the behaviour of MTC crew could not often be appreciated and the crew are rude at times."
Other problems cited by them include ill-lit bus stops at night and buses not stopping in certain bus stops.
MTC officials say, “We are providing drivers with counselling session and compulsory yoga classes to ease stress. The sessions are being held daily in batches.”
The number of classes is, however, abysmally low and by the time a driver gets a class, it is two months.
Officials have now asked the groups to form a sub-committee for further discussions to be held next month.
Porkodi AmudÂhÂan, a college student, says, "Crowded buses are a problem and there are times when conductors do not pay heed to our complaints."
"As many problems are in the purview of other state agencies, we will be conducting another interactive session where we plan to call officials with the traffic police, corporation and MTC," said transport commissioner T. Prabhakara Rao.
Auto drivers counselled by psychologists
Jackson Jose | DC
Chennai: Do not be taken aback the next time you come across an auto driver and he is courteous, even after the latest lathi-charge on them, which has left them pretty miffed.
In a whole new approach, officials at the transport department are implementing counselling sessions for drivers who refuse to toe the ‘meter line’.
“If on the one hand, it is stringent implementation of the rules and impounding erring autos, on the other, we have begun showing them the right way by supporting them through counselling,” says transport commissioner T. PrabhaÂkara Rao.
The programme was started two weeks ago at the central RTO and continues at Anna Nagar RTO.
He adds, "We have roped in psychologists and social workers for the programme.
The programme was started with batches of 40 drivers. Drivers who have been maintaining a good record were called and asked to tell their experiences to the rest- mainly that they are making profits with meters on.”
Psychologists were asked to look into why auto drivers do not follow rules and help them become more courteous.
Officials add, “Once they exhibit good behaviour, they are going to create a customer base and this will help them in the long run.”
Officials at the central RTO say, “We conducted a one-day counselling session for drivers. Sixty of them participated. It was a hit and we plan to take it forward.”
