Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
Mini Bus
MINI BUSES — introduced during the previous regime — have helped to link many newly developed residential areas within the city. They pass through several bylanes, which remained unconnected hitherto. Though not safe and proper but mini bus drivers willingly oblige passengers to disembark or board at any place en route to their destinations. The operation of mini buses has given employment opportunities to many unemployed youths as drivers, conductors, supervisors, mechanics etc. However, the drivers must be trained to adhere to traffic rules and avoid rash and negligent driving.
A.Arun,
3/370, St.Peter's Church Road,
Tiruppalai,
Madurai-14.
* * *
THE INTRODUCTION of mini buses on the routes where city buses do not ply is really a boon to people who cannot afford either a two or three-wheeler. Many people prefer mini buses because they ply between short distances unlike the city buses. Majority of the city buses have converted into long route buses with reduced services and more travel time thus making it highly inconvenient for public, particularly those wanting to travel short distances. The rates charged by mini buses are also reasonable.
The Road Transport Authorities have issued licences to mini buses but the roads are so bad in some areas, especially in Avaniapuram Panchayat area, that travelling becomes a risky affair. The panchayat and corporation authorities should see that proper tar roads are laid on these routes to avoid accidents. Given the condition of roads, people prefer to walk during the rainy season than take a mini bus.
T.R.Viswanaathan,
4, Manimekalai Street,
Ganapathi Nagar,
Villapuram,
Madurai-12.
* * *
WHAT WAS brought into operation for the convenience of commuters has turned into a nightmare. Every third road accident involves a mini bus. It is like a `dracula on wheels'. Most of the mini buses are not in good condition either. They rattle and shake violently when in motion. Most of them blare loudspeakers adding to the din. The mini bus drivers think they own the road and drive at a reckless speed. The public is caught in the rivalry between the drivers of State-run buses and mini buses. The only good thing about mini buses is that you can board/alight at your will. But it is a traffic hazard. If there's a choice, mini buses should be withdrawn.
N.Naganathan,
3/270 Kavimani III Street,
Indian Bank Colony,
Madurai-14.
* * *
MINI BUSES have been introduced on several new routes, which is very useful. However, these buses take circuitous routes through lanes/streets and waste lot of time gathering passengers. On an average, the frequency of a mini bus is five to ten minutes on all routes. But it is not clear whether these buses run on profit or loss ratio because I find that charges are not uniform. For example, most conductors charge Rs.3.50 from Koodalnagar to Simmakkal while some charge Rs.3. This discrepancy needs to be looked into.
M.Muthuramalingam,
16-1-12, K.M.A. Kovil Street,
Koodal Nagar, Madurai-18.
* * *
THE ARRIVAL of mini buses is a boon for the city dwellers and the response within a short span has been laudable. It has helped in sharing the load and reducing the rush during peak hours. Rural vendors and farmers have found a convenient transport in mini bus for ferrying their goods to the city market. The mini bus drivers quite helpfully drop passengers wherever they want to disembark. They are well equipped with tape recorders and FM making the ride enjoyable and entertaining for the passenger. Their frequency and nominal fares has made them the popular mode of transport. The rivalry and stiff competition among the bus companies lends a sense of professionalism to the service as they try to stick to a punctual schedule and also maintain the vehicle well.
K.Kangavel,
4/815-3, Mahalakshmi
Nagar West,
K.Pudur, Madurai-7.
* * *
THE HAPHAZARD growth of the city in the past two decades made it difficult for residents of several new but ill-planned colonies to have an easy access to public transport system. Till recently, the residents were forced to walk long distances for catching a town bus. So to meet their demands, minibuses were introduced as a welcome relief. But they have become more of a nuisance causing tremendous air pollution. While plying on the congested narrow streets of various colonies, the minibus drivers liberally blow the horns to clear their way. It has become a habit with them and like irresponsible citizens they are increasing the noise levels in places which used to be calm. Otherwise there service is a boon.
S.D.Jeyaseelan,
Plot No.502, Anna Nagar,
Madurai-625 020.
* * *
THE FLIPSIDE of mini bus operation is its negligent driving, unwarranted sound of horns and the penchant for rash and dangerous overtaking. Mini buses were specifically introduced on routes where roads are narrow and lined with residential houses. But the drivers behave as though they are driving on a highway, making irritable noise and literally pushing the pedestrians and two-wheelers off the road.
D.G. Mallikkondar,
C/o. D.Gnanasekaran,
25, Sivanandikonar Street,
K.Pudur, Madurai-625 007.
* * *
THE MINI BUS services introduced by the Tamil Nadu Government a few years ago has been rendering a yeoman service to people residing in far-flung areas. New and convenient routes, less fare has made the service sought after. It has helped in coping with the increasing load and also mitigate the sufferings of people whenever the transport corporation employees go on strike. The State Government should permit private mini bus owners on the hitherto unreached areas as well.
R.Rajendran,
210/63, Indirani Nagar
Main Road,
Mudukku Salai,
Madurai-625016.
* * *
MINI BUS Service is a boon to the common man. It is a people-friendly service. It reaches out to every nook and corner of habitation. Villagers, students and office goers have benefited the most with the introduction of mini buses.
The autorickshaw drivers have got a drubbing they deserve since the mini bus fares are very economical and people now prefer to travel by minibus for short distances.
The Government should expand the mini bus operations in all those areas, which have still not been reached by any public transport system.
S.Sankaran,
Brindhavan, 152, Third Street,
Ramalinga Nagar,
Madurai-625 003.
* * *
THE CONCEPT of mini bus can be viewed in accordance with the merits and demerits involved in the implementation process.
The people of Tamil Nadu enjoy the benefits of Government owned buses plying across the state while certain places remain uncovered. The problem is solved by the mini buses almost reaching every nook and corner of the town.
With burgeoning population, these buses are convenient modes of transport for people dwelling in busy and remote areas.
There seems to be no limitation to the number of bus stops. The main advantage is that the middle class can afford to travel by these mini buses rather than hiring an autorickshaw.
Mini buses suit the school going and college students and especially girls and working women who have to travel at late hours.
But there are some negative points too.
The autorickshaw owners have suffered an income setback ever since mini buses started plying.
Ms.Rashmi Sundaresan,
7, Gandhiji Road,
Balaji Nagar,
Tirupparankundram,
Madurai-5.
* * *
MINI BUS is convenient to all the people living in urban and rural areas. In remote villages there was either none or no frequent bus service to any nearby town or market place.
By running mini buses now in remote areas, not only are the villagers able to bring and sell their agricultural produce in nearby towns but it is also earning a revenue for the bus operators as an increasing number of passengers in need are patronising it.
P.Tamilarasi,
No.35 Thendral Illam,
RMS Colony,
Muthupatti,
Madurai-3.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
|
