Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 December 2024
Private buses are a lifeline for thousands of commuters in Sri Vijaya Puram, offering affordable and convenient travel options. They complement the State Transport Services (STS), preventing overcrowding and ensuring passengers have ample choices across various routes. However, a glaring disparity in infrastructure between the STS Bus Terminus and the private bus stand in Mohanpura highlights the need for urgent improvements.
Recent upgrades by the Transport Department have transformed the STS Bus Terminus in Mohanpura into a comfortable and modern hub. The facility boasts an air-conditioned waiting area, a snack shop, an enquiry counter, a public address system for announcements, a dedicated ATR ticket booking counter, and a bus pass issuance office. These amenities provide passengers with a seamless and pleasant experience.
In stark contrast, the private bus stand just a few hundred meters away is in a state of neglect. The only facility available is an open-sided waiting shed, which offers little protection during heavy rains as winds drive water inside. The unpaved surface of the stand, riddled with large potholes, creates significant inconvenience for passengers and vehicles alike.
While the administration deserves praise for enhancing the STS Bus Terminus, its apparent disregard for the private bus stand reflects a step-motherly treatment of private operators who play a vital role in the public transport ecosystem.
The private bus stand at Mohanpura should be developed to match the standards of the STS Bus Terminus. Modern facilities such as a covered and enclosed air-conditioned waiting area, paved surfaces, and basic passenger amenities are essential to ensure equity and convenience for all commuters.
Private bus operators contribute significantly to public transportation, and their passengers deserve the same level of infrastructure as those using government services. Upgrading the private bus stand in Mohanpura into a model facility would not only benefit commuters but also demonstrate a commitment to fair treatment for all stakeholders in the transportation sector.
The time has come for the administration to address these disparities and provide better facilities at the Mohanpura private bus stand, ensuring a more inclusive and efficient public transport system in Sri Vijaya Puram.