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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
MTC buses run on paper, not on Tambaram roads
Chennai: At 7pm every day, Tambaram West MTC stop is packed with commuters, most of them waiting for 55 series buses to areas such as Mannivakkam, Mudichur, and Vandalur. "I wait nearly 45 minutes every day for a bus to Mudichur. When it finally comes, it is packed to the brim," says Joy Praveena J, an accountant. Sasikala J, a shop keeper in Tambaram, waits patiently in the evenings because she has time. "But in the mornings, I just take a share auto and spend 40 more because the bus never comes when I need it," MTC officials claimed 12 buses are operated from 7pm-8pm daily, but commiters said this is not true. "I've seen a maximum of five, with just one going to Mudichur. Usually, it's just 2-3 overall," said Venkatesh of Pallikaranai. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai A TOI visit to the stop at 7pm on June 24 found only three 55 series buses operated in one hour, but MTC data said that 11 services were made. MTC managing director Prabhushankar attributed such mismatches to flaws in the Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS) to monitor and reschedule services. "Sometimes the issue is also with local indiscipline. Certain depot managers may not be managing services well." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee pain prices might surprise you Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo Prabhushankar said the Chalo App will soon be replaced by Chennai Intelligent Transport System (CITS), offering real-time bus tracking, GPS integration, and in-bus announcements. MTC now deploys 41 mobile checking squads and plans 1,500 new buses by Dec next year. Road work and metro construction have increased travel time per trip. Drivers may not be able to complete scheduled rounds, said V Rama Rao of Traffic and Transportation Forum, an NGO. MTC says it hired 700 new drivers and 625 conductors on contract and that overall services were up. In June, 43 new services were added at Madhavaram depot, and 9 each in Tambaram and Kilambakkam. It also said the combined daily trip capacity across Madhavaram, Kilambakkam, Tambaram, and Poonamallee depots is 6,892, but only 5,925 trips are currently being run. The near 1,000-trip gap raises questions about service consistency across suburbs.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Digital makeover: KSRTC rolls out travel card; pax information system soon
KOCHI: The KSRTC is all set for a major digital revamp, promising travellers an enhanced user experience. The digitalisation drive has started with the reintroduction of the travel card, and the carrier will embrace more initiatives like the Passenger Information System (PIS) in the coming months. 'The KSRTC is planning a series of groundbreaking initiatives utilising cutting-edge technology that will make travel more seamless, cashless and paperless. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will announce the corporation's digitalisation drive on May 20,' Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar told TNIE . To start with, the KSRTC, in a tie-up with the Chalo App, is rolling out one lakh rechargeable travel cards, which are being distributed in Thiruvananthapuraam and Kollam districts. 'We have started the sale of travel cards and commuters can use them in the buses. The initiative is being implemented in the fleet in the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam depots, where smart ETMs have already been distributed. The card will be introduced across the state in a phased manner, in line with the distribution of more modern ticketing machines,' Ganesh Kumar said. Officials said the expansion would start from May end. The KSRTC has already distributed new Android-based Smart Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs), equipped with touchscreens, wireless communication and faster processing systems, in the two districts. 'Travel card will do away with the problem of 'change shortage', making things easy for both commuters and crew. Fares will be debited just by swiping the card in the ETMs, using Radio Frequency Identification Device technology. The ETMs are being supplied to more depots like Vaikom and the training of personnel is on,' said a senior KSRTC official. A commuter can purchase the travel card for Rs 100. Recharge amounts range from Rs 50 to Rs 2,000. The cards are transferable, allowing beneficiaries to hand them over to relatives and friends. If the cards develop technical issues, the passengers should submit applications with the unit concerned and a new one will be issued in two days. The ETMs allow users to check their balance by entering the card number or scanning a QR code. 'The ETMs can also be used to recharge the travel cards,' the official said. The KSRTC is also close to implementing the Passenger Information System (PIS), which will provide real-time information on the running status of buses, bus schedules, delays and other relevant details that would help them plan their journey. 'Passengers can download a dedicated app that lets them know the schedules and track buses in real time. We will also set up PIS screens at all major bus stations. All processes are over and the PIS is ready for implementation. It will be launched after the CM makes the announcement next month,' the official said.
