The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled the draft of the New Comprehensive Mini Bus Scheme, 2024, which proposes significant changes to the operation of minibuses across the state. Notably, the scheme will increase the maximum permitted route length for minibuses from the current 20 km to 25 km. Under the new scheme, at least 70% of the route must cover unserved areas, leaving a maximum of 30% for already served areas.The move follows a 2018 judgment by the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench, which quashed the previous New Comprehensive Scheme of 2011. This previous scheme had modified the Approved Modified Area Schemes of 1999.
Key Features of the Draft Scheme:
Route Length: Minibuses will be allowed to ply for a maximum of 25 km, an increase from the previous 20 km limit. Of this, a maximum of 17 km must be unserved routes, while the remaining 8 km can be served routes, maintaining a 70:30 ratio.
Unserved Areas: The draft mandates that at least 70% of the total route length must cover unserved areas, ensuring that the service reaches remote and underserved regions.
Route Identification Survey: The Regional Transport Authority will conduct a route identification survey to determine the appropriate routes for the minibuses.
Public Consultation:
The State government has invited objections or suggestions regarding the draft scheme, which can be sent to the Secretary, Home Department, Chennai 600009. These inputs will be considered during a public hearing scheduled for July 22, 2024, at the Secretariat.
Exemptions:
The proposed scheme excludes seven zones within the Greater Chennai Corporation limits, categorizing them as served areas where the new minibus regulations will not apply.
Government’s Vision:
Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, in his budget speech in February 2024, announced the intention to extend minibus services to rural areas adjacent to rapidly growing urban areas, supported by updated guidelines. This extension aims to bridge the gap between rural and urban transport services.
The Transport Department also highlighted last year that a comprehensive scheme was in development, adhering to the Madurai Bench’s orders.