Chennai: Ever since the route 12C connecting T Nagar with Mylapore discontinued, there was a constant demand from both residents and commuters, to provide another service apart from route 5B, to the neighbourhood of Mylapore.
In response to this, MTC authorities have introduced a small bus route S39 connecting T Nagar terminus with the said area, plying through CIT Nagar, Nandanam (Anna Salai), Teynampet (Kavignar Bharathidasan Salai), Alwarpet (TTK Road), CP Ramaswamy Salai, Dr Ranga Road, Bheemasena Garden Street and finally at Kapaleeswarar temple tank stop (Mylapore).
Speaking on the facility, an official of MTC said, “S39 was introduced following representations from various commuters and also from Mylapore MLA, R Nataraj. The first trip will commence every day at 5.30 am and the vehicle will be on rounds connecting T Nagar and Mylapore till the closing hours.”
The bus that takes a route different from the existing 5B service, is aimed at helping several office-goers, especially women from T Nagar.
Lauding the same, Raja Rajeswari of Damodara Street, said, “Since 12C was no longer in action, many women in the area were forced to catch routes- either 12 or 12E (from North Usman Road), and then need to walk or take an auto to reach destinations like CP Ramaswamy Road and TTK Salai. With the introduction of S39, the travel time is now reduced, as it does not cover crowded places like Pondy Bazaar, but instead reaches the destination in a shorter route.”
About the frequency of services, the official from MTC stated, “At present, it will ply on an hourly basis. After studying the route for sometime, frequency will be increased based on requirement. There is already a good response from commuters.”
The development has brought cheer to CIT Nagar and Nandanam residents too, who were until now bereft of a direct link to Mylapore.
This is really helpful, commented Ravishanker of CIT Nagar who works in CP Ramaswamy Road, adding, ‘We will be happy if the frequency is increased and the destination is upto Mandaiveli bus terminus’.