TN mulls operation of small buses without conductors
Drivers Can’t Handle Extra Responsibility, Say Unions
Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com
Chennai:03.07.2018
After long routes, Tamil Nadu is exploring the possibility of operating small buses in the city without conductors to reduce losses.
“As part of the ongoing efforts to reduce expenses, we are currently looking at two options. One is to operate buses without conductors along routes in which there are not many stops and the other is to operate small buses without conductors,” a senior official from the state transport department told TOI.
In 2013, 200 small buses were launched and became an instant hit as they conveniently moved in lanes and bylanes despite traffic jams. However, the frequency of these buses was reduced in routes along Kolathur, Nanganallur and Ayanavaram recently.
Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) authorities attributed this drop to increase in operational and maintenance cost and drop in revenue.
“Even if these buses are operated on full capacity, a bus can earn only up to ₹4,000- ₹5,000 per day. But we have to spend almost twice the amount. So at the end of the day, we face a loss of at least ₹10 per km,” said a MTC official. The government cutting diesel subsidy despite the hike in fuel price adds to the increasing losses.
“We need to deploy at least four staff (two drivers and two conductors) to run the bus for two full shifts every day. This would cost at least ₹4,000. With no conductors, this expense would be cut by half,” the official added.
The transport department official added that the idea was tougher to pull off on small buses than on buses plying long routes. The department is considering ticket vending machine models used by other countries, the official added.
Transport unions have opposed this move stating that it is practically impossible for drivers to take up the role of conductors too within city limits as passengers keep getting in and out at every bus stop.
K Arumugam Nainar from CITU-affiliated state transport union said that passenger vehicles can’t be operated without conductors as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1989.
“The conductors’ role doesn’t end with issuing tickets. They guide passengers, ensure that no one is travelling on footboard and assist drivers during long trips,” Nainar said.
Drivers Can’t Handle Extra Responsibility, Say Unions
Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com
Chennai:03.07.2018
After long routes, Tamil Nadu is exploring the possibility of operating small buses in the city without conductors to reduce losses.
“As part of the ongoing efforts to reduce expenses, we are currently looking at two options. One is to operate buses without conductors along routes in which there are not many stops and the other is to operate small buses without conductors,” a senior official from the state transport department told TOI.
In 2013, 200 small buses were launched and became an instant hit as they conveniently moved in lanes and bylanes despite traffic jams. However, the frequency of these buses was reduced in routes along Kolathur, Nanganallur and Ayanavaram recently.
Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) authorities attributed this drop to increase in operational and maintenance cost and drop in revenue.
“Even if these buses are operated on full capacity, a bus can earn only up to ₹4,000- ₹5,000 per day. But we have to spend almost twice the amount. So at the end of the day, we face a loss of at least ₹10 per km,” said a MTC official. The government cutting diesel subsidy despite the hike in fuel price adds to the increasing losses.
“We need to deploy at least four staff (two drivers and two conductors) to run the bus for two full shifts every day. This would cost at least ₹4,000. With no conductors, this expense would be cut by half,” the official added.
The transport department official added that the idea was tougher to pull off on small buses than on buses plying long routes. The department is considering ticket vending machine models used by other countries, the official added.
Transport unions have opposed this move stating that it is practically impossible for drivers to take up the role of conductors too within city limits as passengers keep getting in and out at every bus stop.
K Arumugam Nainar from CITU-affiliated state transport union said that passenger vehicles can’t be operated without conductors as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1989.
“The conductors’ role doesn’t end with issuing tickets. They guide passengers, ensure that no one is travelling on footboard and assist drivers during long trips,” Nainar said.
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