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    INFRASTRUCTURE-Transportation

    21 Nov 2012
    Public Transportation in Chennai
    Public transportation facilities; the people in Chennai believe won’t be sufficientenough even if the current ongoing projects to develop it are taken into consideration. The current situation in Chennai is worse for transportation be it public or private but the Government has said that once these current projects are completed the public would consider using public transportation more than that of private transportation by 2020.The people however think or believe that even the completion of ongoing mega projects won’t help in future and that the government must start investing more on planning and implementing the same in public transportation.


    The upcoming Metro Rail project holds promise, but for things to get better for the future, attention to both trains service and bus services have to be equal. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) say though efforts have been made to improve the MTC buses in the past few years, the services in the city are still not up to the mark.

    Metropolitan Transport Corporation Chennai:



    The current strength of MTC buses in Chennai is around 3400.
    Single Decker: Leyland & TATA
    1483
    Semi low floor buses
    1774
    Vestibule buses
    100
    Mini A/C
    4
    Volvo A/C buses
    100
    TOTAL
    3461

    Depot units in Chennai
    (taken over from TNSTD on1.1.72)
    1.
    TONDIARPET
    2.
    ADYAR
    3.
    AYANAVARAM
    4.
    VADAPALANI
    5.
    AMBATHUR
    6.
    MADHAVARAM
    7.
    T.NAGAR
    8.
    MANDAVELI


    (formed after 1.1.72)

    1.
    K.K.NAGAR
    22-01-73
    2.
    ANNANAGAR
    11-03-73
    3.
    SAIDAPET
    08-03-74
    4.
    THIRUVORTIYUR
    15-12-75
    5.
    TAMBARAM
    11-07-77
    6.
    VYASARPADI
    18-07-79
    7.
    THIRUVANMIYUR
    30-08-81
    8.
    PERAMBUR
    03-02-82
    9.
    TONDIARPET-II
    03-07-83
    10.
    POONAMALLEE
    16-04-86
    11.
    CHROMPET
    29-05-87
    12.
    AVADI
    14-04-91
    13.
    IYYAPPANAGAL
    02-02-94
    14.
    ENNORE
    16-06-95
    15.
    ALANDUR
    16-07-95
    16.
    BASIN BRIDGE
    17-07-03
    17.
    CENTRAL DEPOT
    02-02-04



    Fleet And Scheduled Services
    (Latest)
    S. No.
    DEPOT
    DEPT.
    CODE
    FLEET
    STRENGTH
    SCHD.
    SERVICES
    1
    ADYAR
    AD
    201
    185
    2
    THIRUVANMIYUR
    TR
    140
    130
    3
    MANDAVELI
    MN
    81
    75
    4
    CENTRAL
    CD
    172
    157
    5
    SAIDAPET
    SP
    117
    108
    6
    T.NAGAR
    TN
    93
    86
    ADYAR REGION TOTAL

    804
    741

    7
    VADAPALANI
    VP
    187
    172
    8
    K K NAGR
    KN
    181
    167
    9
    IYYAPPANTHANGAL
    IY
    152
    140
    10
    TAMBARAM
    TA
    212
    194
    11
    CHROMPET
    CR
    132
    121
    12
    ALANDUR
    AL
    128
    118
    CHROMEPET REGION TOTAL

    992
    912

    13
    POONAMALLEE
    PM
    174
    159
    14
    AMBATHUR
    AM
    168
    156
    15
    ANNANAGAR
    AN
    207
    192
    16
    AVADI
    AV
    141
    129
    17
    AYNAVARAM
    AY
    163
    150
    18
    PERAMBUR
    PB
    154
    142
    AYNAVARAM REGION TOTAL

    1007
    928

    19
    MADHAVARAM
    MV
    128
    118
    20
    TONDAIARPET-1
    TD
    137
    127
    21
    TONDAIARPET-2
    TW
    73
    67
    22
    THIRUVORTIYUR
    TV
    99
    91
    23
    ENNORE
    EN
    56
    52
    24
    VYSARPADI
    VY
    124
    114
    25
    BASIN BRIDGE
    BB
    43
    39
    TONDAIRPET REGION TOTAL

    661
    608

    MTC TOTAL

    3464
    3189




    Facilities Provided
    Bus Services
    • Via CENTRAL STATION RAILWAY COMPLEX.
    • Via EGMORE RAILWAY STATION.
    • Via TAMBARAM RAILWAY STATION COMPLEX.
    • 48 NIGHT SERVICES TO IMPORTANT PLACES
    • 100 High capacity VESTIBULE buses.
    • 100 AIR CONDITIONED VOLVO BUSES ON SELECTED ROUTES.
    • SEMI-LOW FLOOR BUSES WITH AUTOMATIC DOOR CLOSURE.
    • PARK AND RIDE FACILITY IN TERMINALS FOR TWO WHEELERS.
    • CONSUMER FORUM MEETING.
    • PASSENGER COMPLAINTS CELL.
    Facilities Proposed
    • Feeder bus services to MRTS operation.
    • Train-Bus link ticket.
    • Prepaid Smart Card ticketing system.
    • Vacation special card.
    • Global Positioning System: Provided.


    Bus Fares
    Stage Fare [Value in Rupees]
    [Effective from 18-11-2011]
    Stage
    Fare
    Stage
    Fare
    Stage
    Fare
    Stage
    Fare
    Stage
    Fare
    Stage
    Fare
    1.
    3.00
    6.
    6.00
    11.
    8.00
    16.
    9.00
    21.
    11.00
    26.
    13.00
    2.
    4.00
    7.
    6.00
    12.
    8.00
    17.
    9.00
    22.
    11.00
    27.
    14.00
    3.
    5.00
    8.
    7.00
    13.
    9.00
    18.
    10.00
    23.
    12.00
    28.
    14.00
    4.
    5.00
    9.
    7.00
    14.
    9.00
    19.
    10.00
    24.
    12.00

    5.
    6.00
    10.
    8.00
    15.
    9.00
    20.
    10.00
    25.
    13.00

    NOTE: A stage is approximately equal to 2 KMs.

    EXPRESS

    1.5 TIMES THE ORDINARY FARES
    DELUXE

    DOUBLE THE (ORDINARY FARE+0.50 PAISA)
    NIGHT SERVICE

    TWICE THE ORDINARY FARES
    VOLVO A/C

    2.5 Times The Deluxe Fares(Min Rs.15
    On 11th Sept 2012.The minimum bus fare was increased to Rs.7 from Rs.5 for deluxe buses






    Press the link below to get various route details for you desired destinations. [i]



    “This current strength is however not sufficient to satisfy even the current need of the city. The city needs at least more than 4500 right now and by 2020 we will need at least 7000 buses,” say   senior CMDA officials.
    MTC Managing Director V. Paulraj says the Corporation has plans to replace old buses this year and the induction of new buses can only be done after the next State budget to see what kinds of allocations are made for this.The people think that introducing more service would solve the problem of requirement in the future whereas some MTC officials believe that increasing the number of services in areas of demand will only increase the revenue loss. Right now, the Corporation’s priority is to maintain the quality of existing services rather than introducing new ones. Transportation experts in the CMDA said the Corporation can improve its revenue by linking bus fares to real costs. They suggest that the newly-formed Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) can regulate bus fares in such a manner that the MTC can recover its cost of operation. MTC and Railways will have to coordinate with each other to integrate the two modes of transport says an expert.
    The CMDA has also recommended the bus rapid transit system service in certain areas to improve the quality of services. It has also recommended that the UMTA must get involved in the procurement process of buses and integration of various modes of transport in the city. [ii]

    This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons



    Chennai Suburban Railway

    Map of Chennai Suburban Railway and Bus Network [iii]


    Chennai Suburban Rail/MRTS/Metro [iv]


    Chennai Suburban railway is operated by the Southern Railway, one of the operating railway zones of Indian Railways. Chennai has a complex railway network. The system uses electrical multiple units (EMUs) operating on alternating current (AC) drawn from over-head cables through the catenary system. The total system spans around 900 km of which only 286 km have dedicated dual tracks for suburban EMUs, the rest share tracks with other trains and are called mainline EMUs (MEMUs). Since March 2012, the suburban sector has 450 services. As of 2011-2012, 1.46 million people use the suburban train services daily. This is a 13.2 percent increase over the previous year. A total of 65 stations in the suburban section have cycle stands.




    Lines
    North Line [174 km]
    North Line, Chennai Suburban includes the following stations
    ·                   Suburban service terminates at Sullurpeta (AP).
    ·                   Few trains operate between Chennai Beach and Sullurpeta via Royapuram and Washermanpet.
    ·                   This is the only route in India where a suburban train is operated outside the state.

    South Line [163 km]
    South Line, Chennai Suburban includes the following stations
    ·                   Suburban service terminates at Chengalpattu.
    ·                   The service between Beach and Tambaram was started in the year 1931
    ·                   A EMU service operates between Beach - Villupuram which goes along the suburban tracks till Chengalpattu and on the main line after that till

    South West Line [122.71 km]
    South West Line, Chennai Suburban includes the following stations
    The Beach Chengalpattu section is parallel to but completely separate from the long-distance tracks of Indian Railways. The Trisulam station on this line is 100m from the Chennai International Airport terminal. This line first opened as an electrified suburban rail line in 1930.
    ·                   Suburban electric trains on this route, terminate at Tirumalpur station.
    ·                   Tirumalpur - Arakkonam section being electrified.

    West Line [213 km]
    West Line, Chennai Suburban includes the following stations
    ·                   Suburban service terminates at Arakkonam.
    ·                   MEMU service operates between Arakkonam and Jolarpet.

    West North Line [151 km]
    West North Line, Chennai Suburban includes the following stations
    Services first began on this line in 1985.
    ·                   Suburban service terminate at Tiruttani.
    ·                   MEMU service terminate at Tirupati (AP).
    ·                   Few trains operate between Chennai Beach and Tiruttani. The section from Chennai Beach till Vyasarpadi covers a distance of 5.64 km via Royapuram and Washermanpet stations.

    West South Line [290 km]
    West South Line, Chennai Suburban includes the following stations
    ·                   Suburban service terminates at Arakkonam.
    ·                   MEMU service terminates at Vellore Cantonment station.
    ·                   The section from Vellore Cantonment till Villupuram is under gauge conversion and being electrified.

    New Lines
    The following new lines have been proposed in the Second Master Plan by CMDA as a long-term Urban transportation Scheme[7]
    ·                   AvadiSriperumbudurKanchipuram
    ·                   SaidapetSriperumbudurKanchipuram (Partly Elevated)
    ·                   SriperumbudurOragadamChengalpattu
    ·                   KelambakkamVandalur
    ·                   St.Thomas MountPorur

    New Lines proposed in CTS
    The following new lines have been proposed in the Comprehensive Transportation Study of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.[8] These lines will provide a circumferential travel network for the city.
    ·                   PerungudiMamallapuram
    ·                   MamallapuramChengalpattu
    ·                   ChengalpattuTiruvallur
    ·                   TiruvallurGummidipundi

    Circular Rail Line [191 km]
    Stations: Chennai Beach — Egmore — Tambaram — Chengalpattu — Thirumalpur — Takkolam — Arakkonam — Vyasarpadi — Washermanpet — Royapuram — Chennai Beach
    The circular rail line has been proposed in the CMDA SMP.[7]


    Click the link bellow for various Trains and time details
    http://erail.in/ChennaiSubUrbanTrains.htm

    [v]In March 2001, the gauge conversion project in the Madras—Madurai section was completed and BG passenger services began, and the Beach—Tambaram section featured two MG and two BG lines. In December 2001, electrification work of the Chengleput–Villupuram BG line commenced. Gauge conversion work of two MG lines between Beach and Egmore began in December 2002 and was completed by February 2002. This resulted in increased BG EMU services between Beach and Tambaram and the MG services from Tambaram terminating at Egmore. The spur MG lines in the Beach—Washermanpet section were dismantled.
    In February 2003, one of the MG lines between Tambaram and Chengalpet was taken up for conversion and was completed in December 2003, which was used for BG EMU services and by mainline express trains. This resulted in 2 BG lines and 1 MG line in the Tambaram–Chengleput section by the end of 2003. The last MG EMU services between the 30 km Egmore—Tambaram section were run on 1 July 2004, marking the end of the regular service of the YAM-1 locomotives, and the gauge conversion work in this section began. All MG mainline trains were switched over to diesel traction.
    On 1 November 2004, with the completion of the gauge-conversion work in this section, BG EMU services were inaugurated with the addition of 15 new rakes from ICF.[vi]

    Chennai Metro Rail: 

    The city has anassorted transportation network with buses, suburban trains, MRTS and now the metro. The concern for the Chennai metro rail is their present route and the cost of commuting.
    CMRL – Chennai Metro Rail Limited:
    CMRL is a joint venture of the Tamil Nadu State and the Central government. The estimated project cost is around Rs. 14,000 Cr of which 41% is being funded by the centre and the state governments equally and the remaining is through a loan from Japanese International Cooperation Agency. The first phase of the project is divided into two corridors spanning 45kms of which 24 km is underground and 21km is elevated. The cost of constructing each kilometre of the underground tunnel is Rs.300 Cr compared to Rs. 100 Cr for the elevated track. Each corridor has 17 stations with Central and Alandur stations featuring in both the routes.[vii]



    Corridor 1: Wahermanpet, Mannadi, High Court, Central, Secretariat (new), LIC, Thousand lights, Gemini, Teynampet, Chamiers Road, and Saidapet will be underground. While the Little mount, Guindy, Alandur, Officer training academy, Meenambakkam and Airport will be elevated.

    Corridor 2: Central, Egmore, Nehru Park, Kilpauk Medical college, Pachaiyappa’s college, Shenoynagar, Annanagar East, Annanagar tower, Thirumangalam will be underground. While Koyembedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani,Ashok Nagar, KK Nagar, SIDCO, Alandur and St. Thomas mount are elevated.



    LineTerminalsLengthNew StationsCost
     Purple LineMysore Road – Kengeri6.465 km5
     Purple LineBaiyyappanahalli – Whitefield15.50 km14
     Green LinePuttenahalli – Anjanapura6.29 km5
     Green LineHesaraghatta cross – BIEC3.77 km3
     Line 3R V Road – Bommasandra18.80 km16INR5,744 crore (US$1.05 billion)
     Line 4Gottigere - Nagavara21.25 km18INR11,014 crore (US$

    This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons

    Disadvantages:
    The main objective of CMRL was to link all the important gateways of the city which are already well connected through bus and train services. Although the Metro is energy efficient, its capital, operation and maintenance costs are expected to be very high. Following are the concerns that remain unanswered:

    1.Absence of public opinion:This landmark project involving huge amount of funds and considerable realignment of the city’s landscape,did not invite public opinion on the routes. The CMRL claims to have had meetings only with the affected parties, who were displaced during land acquisition for the project.

    2. Integrating with the MRTS/ Suburban/ City buses: Both the corridors run almost parallel and in close proximity to the suburban trains running from Chennai Beach to Tambaram stations.
    The metro will eat into the incomes earned by the buses and trains in the normal hours.

    3. Redundant Expenses: The metro runs below at Anna Salaiand E.V.R. Salai while it runs on an elevated track on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road (Inner Ring Road) although all are equally wide. The underground construction costs three times more than the elevated track.

    4. Ease of access: As the sidewalks on the arterial roads are narrow, the access to the metro will further reduce its width.


    The metro was successful in Delhi because of its coverage where the bus services were unable to meet the demand. Moreover, the vehicular density in Delhi is amongst the highest which clogged the city roads hence the metro proved as the best alternative. In Chennai the buses and the suburban trains complement each other but their capacity is reaching the maximum. The advent of metro will decongest the roads and will certainly share the burden of the buses to provide a better travel experience in future. While the advent of metro is expected to shift motorists into using public transport and reduce congestion, its development should also reduce vulnerability of the poor and marginalised.[viii]

    Mini buses in Chennai

    courtesy thehindu.com 

    Mini-buses that would hit the city roads soon will also be operated on regular routes during non-peak hours. Earlier, the authorities had decided to operate them only on far-flung areas of the city and suburbs, as feeder services providing connectivity to bus stops and railway stations. With the new proposal, they would also be operated on regular routes to give a breather to MTC buses. Since MTC buses ply with fewer passengers, some almost empty, on a few routes during the lean hours (11 am to 4 pm), operating mini-buses these routes during non-peak hours would be an economically profitable option. The short wheelbase of mini-buses running to full capacity during lean hours would certainly be a viable option regarding fuel efficiency, compared to a larger, standard bus, which consumes more diesel running with fewer passengers.[ix]

    Will the mini-buses help in easing traffic congestion in Chennai?
    Last year, the Transport Department at Anna University conducted a feasibility study for mini-buses. “We considered only areas located half a kilometre beyond either side of MTC bus routes. We then segregated some areas including marshlands and forest areas. Then, the routes were decided based on the population density and where roads are not suitable for running big buses,” said a source.The mini-buses were suggested for areas which do not have any other mode of connecting transport. “These include places such as Nanganallur, parts of North Chennai, etc.,” said K.P Subramanian, former professor at Anna University's Urban Engineering department.
    According to experts, the mini buses should not overlap with the existing Metropolitan Transport Corporation Limited (MTC) routes as it will serve no purpose; the frequency of the mini-buses should be once every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours and once every 20 minutes during lean hours; and the infrastructure facilities such as waiting area for the mini buses should also be good and off the main road.
    Commuters feel that the mini-buses will be a boon for those in the suburbs. Mini buses should connect nearby junctions from sub urban areas and also from the places where MTC bus services are very minimal or not even having services. In particular, Bridavan Nagar (Adambakkam) should have the connectivity to Kilkattalai, Vijayanagar bus terminus &Nanganallur via Kakkanbridge&Kakkan Nagar. From Vijayanagar bus terminus, the mini buses should be operated to connect KandanchavaviVia MGR Salai. As agreed by the Govt., mini buses should connect MRTS and sub urban railway stations wherever applicable. In areas such as Nanganallur where autorickshaws are ruling the roost, the mini-buses can stop the exploitation.
    Experts warn that initially the revenue from the mini-buses may not be considerable although the situation will improve over time. Gradually more people will shift from the city to suburbs if connectivity is good and the revenues will also increase.[x]

    Smart Cards for Bus&Train

    Smart card for Bangalore Metro Rail



    Purchasing a ticket on-board an MTC bus can be a stressful experience. Many conductors are unhappy with their job and make that very evident. The result is hostile behaviour towards commuters, especially when dispensing a ticket.  “Three million plus tiny papers issued to bus passengers every day. It is a problem not just for passengers, but for conductors too.” That is what the MTC told the Ministry of Urban Development in New Delhi when it applied for JNNURM funds to buy modern buses. If it is possible to eliminate a ticket purchase every time one travels, both passenger and crew can be spared of the transaction. The solution proposed was to move to Electronic Ticket Machines. The solution lies in newer technologies. Plain-old tickets on the bus would, no doubt, continue to be available. But what is important is to reduce the number of people who need to buy one.
    Smart card used for Bangalore Metro rail

    Railway tickets can already be purchased using a mobile phone. Similar newer ticketing options for city travel is thus feasible, but governments and industry must be ready to adopt standardised, interoperable payment platforms.Imagine being able to just tap a smart card on a sensor at the door of a bus/Metro/EMU. What makes the state-of-the-art even more interesting is the arrival of back-office computing. The card calculates the travel fare not at the point of a programmed sensor fitted at the bus or rail station, but on a computer elsewhere. Such “cloud” technology eliminates the need to re-programme thousands of sensors at high cost every time the fares or system rules change.
    The bigger question is whether CUMTA, the low-key Chennai transport regulator that is yet to find its feet, has the vision to move to the next level of ticketing reform, preparing the city for smart card tickets in the era of multi-billion dollar Metro, Mono, et al.
    The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has taken the initiative to have a single Smart card that can be used as a ticket for both buses and trains.Prototypes of the new Smart cards, shaped like regular credit cards have been developed for the MTC. These smart cards will be prepaid cards and can be recharged. Commuters will use the card at the reader while boarding a bus/train. The fare will automatically be deducted from the card based on the distance travelled by the commuter.Smart cards are already in use for EMU train services. But they are not being used by the public as much as the government thought they would be used. Hence, MTC officialsare planning to measure the public readiness for the project.
    This smart card system would reduce waiting in queues while switching over different modes of public transport. In future, such a cardwill help in creating a better cooperation and coordination among different transport agencies in the city.
    Purchasing a ticket on an MTC bus.[xii]


    Lane Discipline
    Every year 12 lakh people die in road accidents in the country. Studies by the Chennai City Traffic showed that wherever people followed the lane system of driving, the fatal accident was minimal. Following this, the four-lane system, now in vogue in a part of Anna Salai, would be extended up to Little Mount Junction in two phases. The first phase would be from Teynampet to Nandanam.
    However, the said plan will be implemented only after the metro rail constructions are completed and traffic diversions are revoked. Passenger cars would ply in the middle and heavy vehicles and two-wheelers on the extreme left and extreme right lane respectively. Similarly, there are plans to demarcate lanes from the Padi junctionto the northwest of the Kathipara junction in the south.

    Case in point: Frequent traffic snarls on Medavakkam Main Road, also known as Mount Madipakkam Road, may soon be a thing of the past. Widening of this arterial road is set to begin with the State government having recently announced the acquisition of 1,873 square metres (20,160 square feet) to convert the entire 9 km road into a four-lane highway.
    With a number of localities on this stretch – Alandur, Ullagaram, Puzhuthivakkam municipalities and village panchayats like Madipakkam having been recently merged with Chennai Corporation and with a jump in the number of bus services by the MTC, residents here had been appealing to the state government to improve the road.
    Once the road was widened and improved, it would ease traffic considerably and also enhance the safety of motorists, the officials added. [xiii]
    Medavakkam Main Road [xiv]


    Monorail in Chennai


    Monorail map [xv] - three stretches of the Rs. 8,500 crore monorail project in the city

    Though the state had initially planned to operate monorails on four corridors in the first phase, the 53-km-long Puzhal-to-Tambaram stretch, which would have been the world’s longest, hasbeen postponed to the second phase.
    The other three corridorswhere monorails would be operated in the first phase are Vandalur-Velachery (23 km), Poonamallee–Vadapalani (18 km) and Poonamallee-Kathipara junction (16 km).
    The first stretch (Vandalur-Velachery) will have more stations - 14 in total.
    The second stretch and the shortest route (Poonamallee-GuindyKathipara) will have 11 stations. The third stretch (Poonamallee-Vadapalani) will have 12 stations.
    In the second and third stretch, monorails starting from Poonamallee will halt at all stations up to Kumananchavadi.[xvi]

    Is monorail project suited for Chennai

    Former Delhi Metro chief E Sreedharan has said Chennai’s proposed monorail project is "not really suited" for Chennai, and that the state government must soon implement Phases II and III of the Chennai metro. According to him, monorail is 'totally inadequate' for a city like Chennai with a population of more than six million. Monorail's capacity is only one third or one fourth of the normal metro and cost of operation is almost 50 per cent more. He has said that the Tamil Nadu government has not done any detailed study on the monorail project. The monorail can "at best" be only a feeder service to metro,while metro forms the backbone of the transport system.[xvii][xviii]

    Auto-rickshaws in Chennai

    picture Courtesy haplessgeek.com 

    The financial plight and insecurity of the auto-rickshaw drivers is because[5] of the rates “fixed” by the government many years back.

    Clearly, auto-rickshaw drivers are struggling to make ends meet. Without sufficient income, they fall into the avaricious traps of malicious financiers and thus, become victims of exploitation.
    Therefore, it should come as no wonder to anybody that the auto-rickshaw drivers are reluctant to use meters while driving customers to their respective destinations! The economic insecurity faced by them is directly responsible to the so-called “exorbitant” fares charged by them.
    As regards the social status that they occupy, most of the city views them as drunkards or rogues. Quite contrary to popular belief, our study reveals the fact that almost all drivers refrain from consuming liquor. They value their profession and customers and this principle prevents them from becoming alcoholics. Furthermore, they take it in their stride to be sociable with and hospitable to the passengers. Yet, their practice of not using meters is looked down upon and they are condemned.
    The view of the customers on autos and auto drivers in the city were also considered for the study. It has been inferred from the data collected-
    • Autos are the least preferred mode of travel as specified by the customers.
    • A majority of customers feel that they are over-charged by auto-drivers.

    The need of the hour, therefore, is not only fixing auto fares that takes into consideration all seminal factors such as waiting time, time spent and gasoline consumed in navigating through heavy traffic to reach the destination, lack of parking spaces, fluctuating prices of fuel and costs of living; but also the role played by the media in the portrayal of the actual image of the auto-rickshaw driver of Chennai. With no form of social security or a legal body protecting the interests of the drivers of auto-rickshaws, policy reforms and policy implementations are of high priority to fix this situation.[xix]

    People demand rationalized autorikshaw fares in Chennai

    Activists in the city have launched a signature campaign.Demanding immediate action from the state transport commission, the campaign has received more than 1,500 signatures. They plan to get 2,500 signatures.
    The campaign demands the state transport department to regulate fares of autorickshaws and create a system for updating fare structures. It suggests the implementation of an alternative method like a rate card which will benefit commuters as well as auto drivers even during fluctuating fuel prices. The campaign demands the government to set up a helpline to report violations and ensure strict enforcement.
    Chennai has been notorious for its autorickshaws whose drivers fleece passengers, charging more than Rs 25 per km. Even though there have been several rounds of hikes in the fuel prices, autorickshaw fares haven't been revised in the last five years. This allows drivers to cite the price increase and fleece more. Activists feel this has resulted in considerable inconvenience to commuters who depend on autorickshaws for their transport needs as well to autorickshaw drivers. "Most auto drivers never go by the meter and demand exorbitant fares. This unfair pricing affects commuters who end up being harassed," says the petition.
    According to a recent study commissioned by the state government, 72% of Chennai's auto rides are short distance, about 5km. With such a large possible rider clientele, it should be right to expect the average daily trip distance to be far in excess of 100km.
    The study observes this as a major reason why other cities like Bangalore and Delhi have lesser auto charges as the average distance travelled per day is around 150km. Since the distance is less, charges are more and this leads to a cyclic problem.
    "Another reason why auto fares as decided by the authorities tend be be so low is that the compensation per month is taken at 3,000 - 4,500/month, which is much lower compared to private car drivers, who earn a decent 7500 per month," said the study.


    The call of the taxi


    Many still remember the fleet of black and yellow Ambassadors and Premier Padminis parked in front of the railway junction and the airport. During the seventies, when life was lived at a leisurely pace and when Madurai moved on cycle-rickshaws and kudhiraivandis, cars were very much the preserve of the rich. But things have changed. Taxi was not a commoner's choice earlier and many people were unaware about renting of cars. Until a decade ago, taxi service was an unorganized sector and people had many fears and apprehensions about cabs and cabbies. Now call taxi service is a big hit among the people.
    Today, the black and yellow Padminis are nowhere to be seen. Even the compact Indicas and the humble Omnis are fast losing out to the SUVs.
    The want for class and comfort has gone up. It is no more about travelling from one place to another but a wholesome experience. The condition of the car, the behaviour of the driver, comfort, safety – these are all taken into consideration. These days luxury sedans like Innova and Fiesta also serve as taxis. Apart from nominal rates for A/C and non-A/C cars, call-taxi companies also offer attractive packages. People don't prefer cars inside the town area and moreover due to narrow lanes and parking issues, only Indicas can be taken into the temple area.
    Call-taxi companies have a well-planned network. Once a call is received in the control room, the driver is contacted through walkie-talkie or mobile and the vehicle reaches the place within 10 minutes. The cars are strategically parked in every area in town and the nearest one is alerted. Electronic meters fitted inside the car makes things simpler for the customer.
    Fast Track, a Chennai-based call-taxi chain, started operations in Madurai three years ago and now has around 150 cars. They follow car pooling. Anyone who has a car and is interested in a side income can loan them the car. They can be sure of earning at least Rs. 20,000 a month.
    Fast Track also follows modern safety methods and keeps track of cars out on a trip.
    Call taxis have become another part of the ever-awake city. Anytime, anywhere, they are just a call away.

    Average Taxi Tariff in Chennai


    Call taxi services available in Chennai

    Adyar Call Taxi 
    29 Ritherdon Road Vepery Chennai-7. Phone: 26611888
    Agni Call Taxi 
    62-A M G Road Vannanthurai Chennai-20. Phone: 24912366
    Annai Call Taxi 
    87 Nehru High Road Chennai-61. Phone: 22314422
    Arjuna Call Taxi 
    13 3rd Cross Street Trustpuram Chennai-24. Phone: 24732020
    Best & Best Call Taxi 
    36 2nd Main Road Chennai-6. Phone: 22325070
    Bharathi Call Taxi 
    30 Unnamalai Ammal St T Nagar Chennai-17. Phone: 28142233
    Bhavani Kaligambal Call Taxi 
    34 Arunachalam Street Chennai-2. Phone: 28526666
    Chennai Call Taxi 
    107/48,SamiPillai Street,Chennai-112. Phone: 25384455
    Chidambaram Call Taxi 
    Chennai. Phone: 22242169
    Comfort Cool Taxi 
    15/1 Kennet Lane Egmore Chennai-8. Phone: 28191313
    Dial A Car 
    Old 62 Dr Radhakrishnan Salai Mylapore,Chennai-4. Phone: 28111098
    Easy Call Taxi 
    AI 51 Shanthi Colony Main Rd Anna Ngr West Chennai-40. Phone: 26209595
    Fast Touch Call Taxi 
    Trustpuram Chennai-24. Phone: 23744799
    Fast Track Call Taxi 
    13 3rd Cross Street Trustpuram Chennai-24. Phone: 24735550 24735551 24732020
    Friendly Call Taxi 
    76 G N Chetty Road T. Nagar Chennai-17. Phone: 27121314
    Guru Call Taxi 
    R K Nagar Chennai-28. Phone: 24958512
    Harinitourstravels 
    Harini Travels,
    Old no: 21 New no: 6,
    V.G.P Nagar main road,
    Mugappair.
    ph: 044 - 4385 1109,br/> Mobile: 9841992200
    web: http://www.harinitourstravels.com/
    Hello Call Taxi 
    Chennai. Phone: 22411118
    Ideal Call Taxi 
    Chennai. Phone: 22344422
    Jehovah Citi Taxi 
    118 Egmore High Road Chennai-8. Phone: 28193799
    M S M Call Taxi 
    S N Chetty Street Chennai-13. Phone: 25965115
    Madras Call Taxi 
    No-37,4th Avenue Ashok Nagar Chennai-83. Phone: 23719993
    Majestic Call Taxi 
    51 Nallanna Mudali Street Royapettah Chennai-14. Phone: 28133935
    Maruti Call Taxi 
    19/23 Jawaharlal Nehru Salai Chennai-97. Phone: 22310055
    Metro Call Taxi 
    1 Park Side Street Chennai-34. Phone: 28174848
    Minnal Call Taxi 
    Chennai. Phone: 26566987 26566989
    Muthu Priya Call Taxi 
    54-56 Harris Road Pudupet Chennai-2. Phone: 28520101
    National Call Taxi 
    11 South Mada Street Chennai-28. Phone: 24942730
    Nilla Call Taxi 
    23 M R C C Building Chindadripet Chennai-2. Phone: 28411952
    Om Sakthi Call Taxi 
    18 M G R Road Nanganallur Chennai-61. Phone: 22334141 22334151 22334296
    Quick Call Taxi 
    Chennai. Phone: 22328825 22368309
    Ramesh Call Taxi 
    9 32nd Street Nanganallur Chennai-61. Phone: 22328754
    Ravi & Brothers Call Taxi 
    Chennai. Phone: 22332395 22328181
    Sarathy Call Taxi 
    58,RaviColony 3rd Street Chennai-16. Phone: 22347329
    Sri Devi Call Taxi 
    L4 Anna Colony South Boag Road T. Nagar Chennai-17. Phone: 24344848
    Sri Kalki Call Taxi 
    144 A 6th Main Road Chennai-28. Phone: 24315222 24315444 24315555
    Sri Krishna Call Taxi 
    Chennai. Phone: 26571155
    Sruthi Call Taxi 
    88 C P Ramaswamy Road Chennai-4. Phone: 24970044
    Thomas Call Taxi 
    1 S B I Colony Extn M G R Road Chennai-61. Phone: 22342332
    VSN Call Taxi 
    18 Valmigi St Extn,Anjaneya Cottage,Gandhi Ngr,Chennai-93. Phone: 23767222
    Zig Zag Call Taxi 
    11/20 10th Avenue Chennai-83. Phone: 24749966
    Zoom Call Taxi 
    54 Chowdary Nagar Main Road Chennai-87. Phone: 24865123

    MRTS dents city’s safe reputation

    On Sunday at around 4.30 p.m., a young woman got down at the Kasturba Nagar MRTS station. When she reached the first floor, a miscreant there harassed her and fled. Even though the girl shouted out, it was in vain as the station was deserted.
    Though the city is said to be one of the safest for women in the country, the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), an integral part of Chennai’s transport network, seems to counter the city’s reputation. Despite repeated complaints from women commuters, several stations continue to harbour miscreants, especially during non-peak hours, as well as on holidays.
    There are 17 MRTS stations in the city, but safety takes a back seat in most of them. Commuters say the Mylapore station is the safest as there is a Railway Protection Force (RPF) outpost there. “Station masters are there only at Mylapore and Chepauk. Stations like Greenways Road, Light House, Triplicane, Kotturpuram and Kasturba Nagar are unsafe,” said a commuter.
    Police personnel usually patrol most stations’ second levels, where the tracks are, only during peak hours. During non-peak hours, the first and second levels are deserted. “There should be more patrolling during non-peak hours. These days, women have started travelling in groups due to the lack of safety in the stations,” said GomathiGunalan, a housemaid who travels from Mylapore to Kotturpuram for work every day.
    “The lighting on the road to the Light House MRTS station is abysmal. Every evening, one can see husbands waiting to pick up their wives. Only one police officer is posted at the station,” said S. MythiliKripakaran, a resident of Triplicane who commutes to Chennai Fort Station daily for work.
    According to sources, crimes such as drug peddling too take place in the stations. “Chain snatching is not a major issue in these stations. But they become hubs of anti-social activities, as miscreants hide inside the stations before they close. Then they create havoc. Being alone, the policemen do not dare go in and check,” said the source.
    Officers of the RPF said the main problem was the size of these stations. “There are multiple exit and entry points,” said an officer. He said that despite this, the crime rate in these stations had come down by 50 per cent. “Patrolling is done on a regular basis. Once the stations are closed, the officers go by road and keep a check on them,” said the officer

    Does Chennai require proper transport facility for women to travel in odd hours?

    Many women who work as salespersons or in the IT industry are finding it hard to get home after a long working day as there is not enough public transport, especially buses, at night. They also face sexual harassment on their daily commute. MTC runs more than 45 services between 10.30pm and 5am, while the suburban trains operate till midnight and start again at 4am. "But the number of bus services comes down after 9pm," KP Subramanian, urban transportation expert. The main problem is bunching of services, he says. This clearly shows the condition of the public transport in Chennai.










    [i]  Detail collected from www.mtcbus.org
    [iii]CC-by-saPlaneMad/Wikimedia
    [iv]Planemad
    [v]http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,325
    [vi] Wikipedia
    [ix] The Hindu, July 2012
    [x] The Hindu, May 2012
    [xi] The Hindu
    [xii] File photo – The HIndu
    [xiii] The hindu, Jan 2007
    [xiv] File photo – The Hindu
    [xv] Deccan Chronicle, August 2012
    [xvi] Deccan Chronicle, August 2012

    [xvii] Deccan Chronicle, Aug  2012

    2 comments:

    1. Unknown said...:

      How do I make chennai trip with run track call taxi?

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