Soon, panic buttons on MTC buses to rein in miscreants

Chennai: In the wake of the recent incident in which college students travelling on a Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus, were seen brandishing knives and machetes, officials of the transport department have planned to go in for ‘panic button system’ to allay the fears of the panic-stricken public. There are also plans of installing the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in buses, which would be linked to a contact centre in the city.

Sources said that the MTC had already completed geo-coding process for 3,485 MTC bus shelters in both Chennai city and its suburbs. Top department officials are also planning to install GPS gadgets in 500 MTC buses along with the panic buttons. These buttons can not only be used by drivers, but also by passengers, if any one tries something adventurous inside buses.

Likewise, the Greater Chennai Corporation is also looking forward to install Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) in some MTC bus shelters. “We are also in the process of identifying 500 bus shelters to fix CCTVs to monitor public movement, which would also help reduce such crimes," said the official, adding that more number of CCTVs will be installed in a phased-manner across the city.”

Meanwhile, activists have welcomed the move. Daniel Robinson, programme manager, Chennai City Connect, said, “any move by the government to safeguard passengers is welcome. At a time when the number of commuters preferring public transport is on the rise, there should also be a safety system in place for fearless travel.”

When contacted, a senior MTC official seeking anonymity, said that geo-coding process for Chennai city was over. “As far as the panic button system is concerned, efforts are underway and the system will be in place soon ,” he added. Going by the students’ nuisance in MTC buses, the official replied, “We have instructed our bus crew and other officials concerned to closely monitor the situation. Bus crew have been instructed to take the vehicles to the closest police station, in case of any ruckus inside the buses, added the official.”