The Hindu : Front Page : Plan to launch minibuses across State

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Plan to launch minibuses across State

Meera Srinivasan

— File Photo

IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY: Minibus service has been enjoying considerable patronage in the State.

CHENNAI: The Transport Department is considering launching a minibus service across the State in 2008. The department submitted a proposal to the State Government in 2007 seeking approval for launch of the service covering over 1,000 routes identified by it.

Routes that are not covered by State-run buses and not considered economically viable for plying a full-time service have been included in this proposal, a department official said.

Subject to the State Government’s approval, the scheme may be launched later this year.

It is aimed not just at catering to the pockets that are underserved, but also at enhancing connectivity to the city from the suburbs between villages and towns.

Private operators could choose a route from the list and apply for a permit. A similar scheme was launched in the late 1990, and was modified in 2002.

However, after certain sections accused the Government of privatising public transport service, petitions were filed against the State Government and the matter went to the Madras High Court, where it was pending till 2006.

In 2006, the department went to court and sought permission to modify the previous scheme and facilitate operations largely in areas that were not served by public transport. It obtained permission, revised the scheme and submitted a fresh proposal to the Government in 2007.

The earlier system looked at a separate scheme for each district and allowed applicants for permits to opt for any route.

Now, the department, besides drafting a comprehensive proposal for the State, has identified routes from which private operators could choose.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page