MTC launches ‘Bus first campaign’ in Chennai

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday launched the Bus First Campaign of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to improve bus patronage in the city.

The campaign is aimed at creating awareness among motorists of the need to give priority to MTC buses.

A senior official of the MTC said public transport was the backbone of urban mobility.

However, as there are no dedicated bus lanes in the city, the MTC, in association with ITDP (Institute for Transportation and Development Policy) and the Greater Chennai Traffic Police, has stressed the need to foster respect for public transport among all road users and ensure that buses get the priority they deserve for a sustainable and efficient transport ecosystem.

As part of the campaign, the MTC plans to help motorists reimagine road culture by fostering trust in public transport and promoting a behavioural shift among private vehicle users.

The MTC has roped in cricketer Thirush Kamini as the brand ambassador for the campaign and released a promotional video on the importance of giving way to buses, thereby helping thousands of passengers reach their workplaces on time.

Several complaints

While  activists welcome the move, motorists highlight the need for MTC  crew to adhere to road rules.

According to A. Raghavan, who regularly travels in buses, said  drivers do no follow the road rules, occasionally jumping signals and troubling motorists by sounding  horns repeatedly. These issues must be addressed in order to promote buses as a preferable mode of transport.