Chennai: Aiming to serve the commuters better while keeping in mind the environmental concerns and security aspects, the government has announced plans to introduce battery buses in Chennai, introduce Wi-Fi facility in AC buses and install CCTVs in government buses.
Taking into consideration the increase in the number of vehicles in Chennai Metropolitan area and pollution levels, the government has decided to introduce battery-operated buses in Chennai, transport minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar, informed the Assembly on Saturday.
Wrapping up the debate on the demand for grants for his department, he said with the blessings of late CM Jayalalithaa and on the orders of CM Palaniswami Wi-Fi facilities would be provided in all air-conditioned government buses.
Also, measures would be launched to install CCTVs on all government buses in a phased manner. The move, the minister said, would help to bring down the incidents of crimes and also ensure more safety to women and children.
Also, air conditioned sleeper coaches would be introduced on long distance routes.
Steps would be taken to establish ATMs with the involvement of banks for the benefit of passengers and transport staff at bus depots and cashless transactions will be introduced in phases in government corporations in addition to cost rationalisation exercise and added that the ongoing refresher training programmes for drivers of state-owned transport corporations would be extended to drivers of private schools and colleges for a fee.
He said buses with toilet facilities would be increased and also announced that the government, in association with public sector oil firms, would set up fuel outlets at 100 sites owned by transport corporations, to monetise assets.
