Miscreants misuse MTC free service

Even some school students made it a point to take fun trips from one corner to another, making a mockery of the free service. Indeed, some bus crew showed scant regard for

passengers as they were all availing themselves of free service.

A woman passenger Yamini (name changed) requested a conductor to stop the bus at a particular point. Instead of doing that, the conductor hurled abuses at her. Unwillingly, the driver stopped the bus at a distance to avoid overcrowding. But, there were several passengers waiting for free service there and the woman had to alight with much difficulty.

Student Hari Kumar said he enjoyed the school holiday with his friends by taking several free trips between Beach station and Mylapore. The bus crew, however, were helpless, all because of the free service.

The worst situation was several tipplers taking free ride in crowded buses to misbehave with women passengers, said a woman officegoer on condition of anonymity. “I am a regular passenger on 1A bus from Parry’s to Mylapore. After the announcement of free ride, buses were overcrowded. Tipplers and rogues took a chance to misbehave with women passengers,’’ she said. Conductor Basha (name changed) on route number 12C said most of the buses were full with passengers of all types, including pocket pickers and bad elements.

“We are in a dire situation as we can’t question the action of the government,’’ he remarked. Even after the rain, nightmare continues for bus drivers as they have to navigate pothole and slush ridden roads in Chennai and its surroundings, he added.