The S11 small bus services that cover Moovarasampet, Keelkattalai, Pazhavanthangal and Alandur Metro station that was introduced by then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa turned things for better for residents in the locality.
Unfortunately the services were completely halted a few months ago leading to the age-old difficulties raising their head back.
Speaking to News Today, Raghavan A, a resident of Moovarasampet, said, “People, irrespective of age got benefitted from these services. But it has now, unfortunately, been stopped. Senior citizen have been greatly affected by this. As auto fares are very high, we find it very difficult to commute. Those who don’t have personal vehicles have been put to great hardship. Schoolchildren who were dependent on these buses have been forced to opt for other costly means of transportation.”
According to State Transport Department’s policy note for the year 2018-19, 189 small buses were operated on 82 routes and there were 21 spare buses.
Sources from the department said many small buses couldn’t be operated due to high rate of absenteeism among drivers and conductors. Over 35 buses lie idle at various bus depots everyday, they said.
“I request officials to look into our plight and restart the services soon. If buses come on time, patronage will definitively improve,” Raghavan added.
| This news report is based on the inputs of Raghavan A, a resident of Moovarasampet. He is our Neighbourhood Journalist of the Week. |