People prefer skipping Central Bus Stand

Many residents of the numerous localities along Tiruchi-Thanjavur Road travelling to the western districts prefer to travel by SETC (State Express Transport Corporation) buses originating from the delta districts, as the need for them to go to the Central Bus Stand is obviated. Thereby, they are able to cut down substantial travel time.

Those bound for Tirupur and Coimbatore used to check availability of seats in SETC buses at Tiruverumbur stop and only if there are no seats, they proceed to the Central Bus Stand. The passengers say they save substantial time since the SETC buses are able to exit from the city limits faster by taking the Chennai Bypass Road and take a turn towards Chathiram Bus Stand to reach the Karur Road.

The SETC operates buses between the western districts and the delta districts comprising Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. A SETC bus being operated from the BHEL Training Centre to Chennai is also well patronised since it skirts the Central Bus Stand. These buses are preferred since about an hour of travel time could be saved, according to Raja of Tiruverumbur, a frequent traveller to Chennai.

The passengers from the delta districts boarding buses operated by TNSTC, Coimbatore, are also at an advantage as there is no compulsion for the crew to take a detour to the Central Bus Stand.

There has been a much-felt need among passengers in the delta districts that the TNSTC Kumbakonam must also operate buses to the western districts without touching Central Bus Stand in Tiruchi. However, the authorities say the load of passengers is a determining factor. “Even if a few seats are unoccupied, it makes economic sense for us to operate with full capacity via the Central Bus Stand,” a TNSTC official said.

Nevertheless, TNSTC buses operated from the delta districts to the western districts with full load of passengers to the last-point destinations will also have to necessarily take a detour to the Central Bus Stand since the crew have to sign in the duty chart there, the official said.

Source