CHENNAI: The MTC has extended its free bus token scheme for senior citizens in Thiruvallur.
Till this week, suburban residents aged 60 or above were denied free commute in MTC buses. Only those residing in Chennai metropolitan area were covered under this government scheme.
Under the scheme launched by MTC in 2016, senior citizens are eligible for free travel in all categories of buses except air-conditioned ones. On submitting an application and proof of age, 10 tokens are issued in the nearest depot.
Though buses were operated from Thiruvallur district headquarters to Poonamallee, Avadi and Red Hills, not extending the scheme to these areas caused a lot of hardship for commuters, rued Raghavendra Bhat Kadekar, a resident-activist from Thiruvallur.
During the pandemic, many senior citizens had to travel frequently to local government hospitals for vaccinations and check-ups. Every time they had to pay 50 for buses and almost five times more for autos, said Bhat.
This is when K Baskar from Thiruvallur passengers' welfare association filed a complaint with the Chief Minister's Special Cell. Based on this, the scheme guidelines were revised. Accordingly, from this week, residents (whose pincode begins with '602', '603' etc) can also apply and get these tokens. Around 40,000 elderly passengers are expected to benefit from this move.
Welcoming this, Baskar said, "In Karnataka, senior citizens are charged half-tickets in long distance buses. So, such privileges are very helpful for elderly people, whose income is already on the decline. While retired public servants manage with pensions, those from the private sector live hand to mouth".
However, MTC has told beneficiaries to apply and collect tokens from Poonamalle or Avadi. It will be helpful if the distribute tokens at Thiruvallur depot, Sriperumbudur, Ponneri and Gummidipoondi counters itself, he said.
Till this week, suburban residents aged 60 or above were denied free commute in MTC buses. Only those residing in Chennai metropolitan area were covered under this government scheme.
Under the scheme launched by MTC in 2016, senior citizens are eligible for free travel in all categories of buses except air-conditioned ones. On submitting an application and proof of age, 10 tokens are issued in the nearest depot.
Though buses were operated from Thiruvallur district headquarters to Poonamallee, Avadi and Red Hills, not extending the scheme to these areas caused a lot of hardship for commuters, rued Raghavendra Bhat Kadekar, a resident-activist from Thiruvallur.
During the pandemic, many senior citizens had to travel frequently to local government hospitals for vaccinations and check-ups. Every time they had to pay 50 for buses and almost five times more for autos, said Bhat.
This is when K Baskar from Thiruvallur passengers' welfare association filed a complaint with the Chief Minister's Special Cell. Based on this, the scheme guidelines were revised. Accordingly, from this week, residents (whose pincode begins with '602', '603' etc) can also apply and get these tokens. Around 40,000 elderly passengers are expected to benefit from this move.
Welcoming this, Baskar said, "In Karnataka, senior citizens are charged half-tickets in long distance buses. So, such privileges are very helpful for elderly people, whose income is already on the decline. While retired public servants manage with pensions, those from the private sector live hand to mouth".
However, MTC has told beneficiaries to apply and collect tokens from Poonamalle or Avadi. It will be helpful if the distribute tokens at Thiruvallur depot, Sriperumbudur, Ponneri and Gummidipoondi counters itself, he said.
Dr P Vyasamoorthy / 9490804278
