Private bus operators have rolled out shuttle van services from key locations like Vadapalani, Velachery, Pallavaram, and Sholinganallur to the new Kilambakkam bus terminus.
This move comes in response to the upcoming deadline that will ban buses from entering city roads, aiming to improve last-mile connectivity for passengers.
According to TOI, once the new parking lot is ready, all private buses will be prohibited from city roads.
Explaining the decision, R Barathidasan, a private bus operator, said, “With the end of summer vacation and no upcoming festivals, fewer people are using private buses. To compete with the 1,600 buses going to destinations like Madurai and Coimbatore, we’re offering shuttle vans from main pick-up points at no extra cost. It takes about two hours to reach Kilambakkam due to traffic, so we’ve adjusted our bus schedules.”
Passengers appreciate the new service. R Chidambaram, a frequent traveler, commented, “The shuttle vans are convenient for both departure and return to Chennai. Although the government says there are enough MTC buses from Kilambakkam to the city, we have to cross a busy highway and walk a kilometer to reach them. The shuttle vans drop us off at places like Tambaram, Kathipara, and Vadapalani, which is much easier.”
The introduction of shuttle vans comes amid ongoing challenges with private buses not following boarding regulations. Despite orders from the Madras High Court, buses are still blocking traffic by boarding passengers at unauthorized spots. Residents hope this issue will be resolved when all bus operations move to Kilambakkam.
Anbalagan, head of the TN All Omni Bus Owners and Operators Association, mentioned that the government promised parking for all registered buses at Kilambakkam, but currently, only 110 of the required 800 spots are available. CMDA officials said 80 percent of the work at Mudichur is complete, and operations will be moved soon.
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