Delay in buying new MTC buses irks drivers

Chennai: Even though transport department earlier announced to procure over 300 new Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses, it has failed to procure even a single bus. MTC workers complain that officials have failed to understand the fact that almost 70 per cent of MTC buses are unfit to operate and urged the department to buy new buses. Sources said that the transport department has prepared a chart to buy 2,100 buses including 345 MTC buses.

While the department already flagged off 515 mofussil buses, it did not buy even a single MTC bus. This has dissatisfied MTC crew, as they need to take aging buses from depots.

At present, the MTC is operating 3,200 buses in the city and suburbs and 70 per cent of the buses are unfit. An MTC driver said, “The transport department is not caring about the old buses. Even as officials keep saying that new buses will be procured to replace old buses, there is no sign of buying new buses. Further, the officials shout at us, when we raise faults like brake failure and tyre punctures.”

K. Natarajan, treasurer, Labour Progressive Federation, said, “One can nowadays see MTC buses halting along arterial roads and it is because all buses are in poor condition. Even passengers are afraid of boarding MTC buses, as they are forced to get down of the buses due to faults like breakdowns.”

Moreover, the transport department promised to buy electric buses for the city and it failed to fulfill the promise, he added. A senior official, MTC, on conditions of anonymity, said “We are aware of the issues faced by MTC crew and passengers due to ageing fleet. We have already floated tender for buying new MTC buse, which will be rolled out soon.”