A 'striking' popularity for MRTS

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, OCT. 14. The Beach-Tirumailai MRTS put its mass transit capability on show today, during the strike by transport workers, carrying hundreds of passengers including Deepavali shoppers effortlessly.

The rail system, which is known more for its lack of passenger patronage, became a full-fledged `people carrier' covering Mylapore, Triplicane and Chepauk, as bus services were partially affected in the city.

Office and school holidays on Saturday reduced the pressure on buses, and Deepavali shoppers used autorickshaws and suburban trains also.

Police said five MTC buses were damaged in stone-throwing and about 100 persons were arrested in different areas when they prevented their colleagues from taking out buses from depots.

The MTC put the number of buses operated at 1,569, out of 2,200 scheduled to ply today in both its divisions.

The trade unions, which had given the strike call, claimed that 90 per cent of the technical workers and 80 per cent of drivers and conductors did not report for duty and the strike for higher bonus was `a success'.

Security was tightened at the Pallavan House and the State Express Transport Corporation office on Pallavan Salai, from 5 a.m. A posse of policemen and riot control vehicles were stationed near the office. Buses were fewer on Anna Salai, indicating the less than normal operation from different areas.

An MTC spokesman said there was no rationale for the opposition demand as Tamil Nadu's transport workers was getting a higher bonus compared to States like West Bengal or Kerala.

The bonus was arrived at taking into consideration the increase in diesel and petrol fares. The striking unions are also demanding a higher bonus, citing the inflationary fuel price hike, in particular the direct increase in LPG and kerosene price.

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Section  : Southern States
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