CHENNAI: Except for general assurances by major parties regarding transport corporations, their manifestos do not hold out much cheer for the travelling public.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has prided itself in nationalising bus routes, creating transport corporations, introducing the mini-bus scheme in rural areas and issuing free bus passes to students during its previous rule.

Deterioration alleged

Claiming that the "quality of service being rendered to the public by the transport corporations has gone down because of the administrative deterioration and corrupt practices," it has promised to revamp transport corporations. It will run new buses to meet public demand. Perhaps raising the expectations of the rural population, it has promised to reintroduce the mini-bus scheme.

Assuring transport corporation employees it "will restore all concessions and rights" given to them during the DMK rule and "subsequently taken away by the AIADMK regime," the party has also said it will urge the Centre to raise the minimum bonus from 8.33 per cent to 12 per cent and the ceiling on bonus. An "elevated highway scheme" in areas of Chennai metropolis plagued by traffic congestion is another promise.

Promises galore

Striking almost a similar note is the Pattali Makkal Katchi manifesto. It says all vehicles now belonging to transport undertakings will continue to be in government control. Vacant posts of drivers, conductors and technical staff will be filled and efforts made to improve the corporations' performance. Mini-buses will be operated wherever necessary.

The AIADMK has detailed the steps it has taken to improve mileage of buses, amalgamation of transport corporations, introduction of nearly 5,300 new buses, employing women as drivers in transport corporations, fare concession for students, travel concession for senior citizens and issuing of season tickets.

A new wage agreement was signed with employees of the transport corporations. Despite the total increase in diesel price by a whopping Rs.15.71 a litre By the NDA regime and the present UPA Government, the State Government did not increase fares in the last three years. Various schemes will continue to be implemented to improve transport facilities.

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